If this email was forwarded to you or you saw it on social media and would like to subscribe to the Blast, sign up here.
Northridge Happened 30 Years Ago Today & Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program
On this day 30 years ago, the deadly 6.7 magnitude Northridge earthquake rocked the San Fernando Valley. The catastrophic quake struck just seconds before 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994, and lasted a terrifying 10-20 seconds.
This is a good time to announce that registration for Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program is NOW OPEN. EBB grants are available in 815 ZIP Codes, Brisbane's included, with the application period open through February 21st. EBB helps homeowners lessen the potential for damage during an earthquake by offering up to $3,000 toward a code-compliant seismic retrofit for houses that qualify (i.e. has a crawl space beneath the first floor and was built before 1980).
Serving San Mateo County's Homeowners-in-Need
Speaking of home retrofits, are you a homeowner in need of critical safety repairs in the home? Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) ensures safe & healthy housing for residents in San Mateo County through no-cost critical home repairs and modifications. Low income-qualifying homeowners can receive repair service - including accessibility modifications, appliance repair, fence restoration, weatherization, and much more - at no cost.
Mental Health Wellness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but January is Mental Health Wellness Month, which highlights the importance of integrating both emotional and physical health. We recently learned of two digital mental health support resources for youth, young adults, and families called BrightLife Kids (Mental health coaching and resources for parents with kids ages 0-12) and Soluna (confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California). More information about these two free resources can be found at calhope.org.
Check out a walk-through of the Soluna app here:
Reminder: Dark Sky Ordinance Second Reading Thursday, January 18
The Brisbane City Council will hear a second reading of the Dark Skies Ordinance at their regular meeting on Thursday, January 18. A few minor changes were made as a result of the first hearing last November. Should the ordinance pass, it will become effective for new lighting on March 1, with one year to make simple fixes to existing outdoor lighting and longer timelines for more extensive changes that may be needed. The following is a slide from the presentation provided to the City Council at that November 16, 2023 meeting.
City Manager Recruitment
In case you hadn't heard...I announced my retirement in May 2023 and the search is currently on for my successor.
Executive Search firm Teri Black & Co. has been hired to recruit and place the next City Manager. Filing period closes 2/4/24! For more information, please visit the Teri Black & Co. website.
The City's New Business License Processor in 2024
The City of Brisbane has partnered with HdL to administer the business license program commencing with the 2024 renewal season. Renewal notices went out the first week in January via US mail and via email to those with an email address on file. The online business license portal for applications and renewals went live on January 2nd, and is available at brisbane.hdlgov.com. For questions about filing or renewing your business license, please contact HdL at brisbane@hdlgov.com or call (415) 240-4471. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT.
Note: Any person engaging in business in the City must first apply and receive a business license from the City of Brisbane and pay the business license fee; any business having its location or mailing address in the City of Brisbane or any out-of-town business operating in the City is required to maintain an active business license with the City of Brisbane.
Presidential Primary Election - March 5, 2024
We wanted to remind you of some things to do ahead of the Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5th.
- Please check your registration status and choose your language preference for your election materials at RegisterToVote.ca.gov.
- Call/text 650-312-5222 to have a voter registration application mailed to you.
- If you are registered as a No Party Preference voter, you will receive a nonpartisan ballot, which will not include candidates for U.S. President, unless you request a different ballot. Request a crossover ballot.
Learn more about your ballot options at smcvote.gov or contact the Registration & Elections Division at their multi-lingual toll-free number 1-888-762-8683 for more information.
Lastly, join the San Mateo County Election Team as they gear up for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election! They are on the lookout for 150 dedicated individuals to fill crucial roles and be on the front lines of democracy. Explore the open roles and apply now:
- Election Vote Center Representative
- Election Warehouse and Field Technician
- Election Worker - Office Assistant
Coyotes Spotted Around Town
Over the years we have all been learning more about coyotes after seeing them in broad daylight at times, walking down city streets, and on public trails. It's always a little unnerving to see these guys so up close, so we wanted to reshare these helpful tips from the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
- Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
- If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
- Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
- Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, etc.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
They've also cautioned that coyotes are like dogs and will remember how they got their last easy meal…and will keep returning to get their next. So please try to follow the above tips and ask your neighbors to as well. To report an aggressive coyote, please call dispatch at (415) 467-1212. For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.
And if you're having trouble keeping wildlife out of your gray or green carts, you can call SSF Scavenger to request a free gravity-locking lid for either cart. Anyone who would like a lock should give Scavenger a call at (650) 589-4020.
The Latest Trash Talk: Collection Cart & Bin Reviews
The following was submitted by Teresa Montgomery, Sustainability Manager at SSF Scavenger, and the City's Sustainability Manager, Adrienne Etherton.
Q: Are the contents of our garbage, recycling and organics bins being observed?
A: Yes. SSF Scavenger staff periodically look under the lids of waste collection carts and bins to ensure that materials are reasonably well sorted. This is done on regular collection days as required by the state mandated outreach and education program. The purpose of this program is to prevent cross-contamination of waste so that we can maximize the percentage of recycled materials and minimize the amount of organic material sent to landfill.
Q: What happens if SSF Scavenger staff observe a problem with our waste sorting?
A: When a problem is observed, an educational notice is left on the offending cart or bin. The notice indicates the problem and how to correct it. Repeat notices for the same offense can result in SSF Scavenger declining to empty the container until the contents are properly sorted. In the case of blatant, repeat offenses, the issue is forwarded to the city. State law requires the city to have in place a process for issuing Notices of Violation and/or administrative citations for noncompliance.
Please utilize the search tool at ssfscavenger.com/sort-smart and contact them with questions by calling 650-589-4020 or emailing info@ssfscavenger.com.
Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan & Brisbane's Identified Priority Locations
A Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) provides a framework for analyzing, identifying, and prioritizing roadway safety improvements to reduce severe injury and fatal collisions on local roadways. Development of a LRSP will help San Mateo County get funding to build roadway improvements that will positively impact everyone residing in and traveling through San Mateo County. Using valuable community feedback from Phase 1 of this project, C/CAG has identified priority locations for safety improvements and developed potential countermeasures for each community to reduce fatalities and serious injuries at those locations.
View the priority location map for Brisbane above and join the C/CAG project team at tomorrow's, January 18, Farmers' Market from 2-6 p.m. (tomorrow) to share your input on the priority locations and potential countermeasures with the C/CAG project team. Learn more on C/CAG's LRSP website.
Rain and Wind Late Week into Early Next Week - Moderate to Heavy at times
There is increasing confidence for a late week/weekend system to bring widespread rainfall and gusty south-southwest winds to the region. Click here for the latest forecast updates. Sandbags are still available in the parking lot at City Hall for Brisbane residents, 10-bag limit.
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.
Auto Insurance
- Damaged vehicles as a result of flood or fallen trees are generally covered under the “Comprehensive” or “Other than Collision” portion of the auto policy.
- Check your auto insurance declaration page to see if this optional coverage is available to you.
Homeowners Insurance
- Policies generally exclude damages caused by mudflow, mudslide, debris flow, landslide, or other similar events.
- In certain cases there may be possible coverage depending on the facts and cause of the loss. It is important to read your particular policy to understand what is covered.
Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Program
The Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program is going strong, where residents who have "adopted" the storm drain(s) nearest their property are receiving a free landscape rake as a thank you for keeping their newly-adopted storm drains clear of fallen leaves and debris.
North County Fire Authority's Latest Safety Tip
Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey
Please get in your survey responses and effect meaningful change in Brisbane! Make sure your city is poised to meet your needs as you get older and wiser. 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. Results of this survey are being tabulated and will be further reviewed with the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence this coming spring.
The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and you can start it at brisbaneca.org/aarp. 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.
Senior Mobility Guide
Ann O'Brien from the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence shared with our last week the San Mateo County Transit District's latest Senior Mobility Guide, which lives now on our Public Transportation page. Hard copies are available at the Senior Sunrise Room. Note: Spanish and Chinese editions of the Senior Mobility Guide are anticipated to be available around early February. To request a copy of the guide be mailed to you, please call Customer Service at 800-660-4287. For Public Transit “How to Ride” Travel Training on the bus (SamTrans) or train (Caltrain) systems, please contact the program coordinator at: ambassador@samtrans.com or 650-508-6362.
Community Pool Closed 2/5 - 2/12 for Annual Maintenance
Registration is Open for 2024 Little League Baseball!
Community Park Playground Resurfacing Project to Start Monday, January 29
The Community Park playground resurfacing project will begin work onsite on Monday, January 29, weather-dependent. Signage will be placed around the perimeter of the playground noting that the area is off-limits for the duration of construction (approximately 2 - 3 weeks) and a fence will be positioned around the playground, bathrooms, and one adjacent picnic area. In lieu of public access to the restrooms, the City will provide a port-a-potty and handwashing station onsite until construction is complete. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time, and we look forward to reopening the facility once the work is complete!
Lyrical Opposition's Event: (re-entrification), Jan. 20
Please join us at Mission Blue Center on Saturday, January 20th for a free screening of Lyrical Opposition's spoken word poetry documentary, (re-entrification). Doors open at 5 p.m., and the film will start rolling at 6 p.m.
The Next MoB Play Gym is Jan. 20
Get Ready for MoB Shop this Friday & Saturday, January 26 & 27
Parents Night Out: Saturday, January 27
Save the Date: Habitat Restoration Day - Saturday, February 3
Join the City of Brisbane's Open Space and Ecology Committee and San Bruno Mountain Watch for a Winter Planting Day! This is the first event in our annual Habitat Restoration Series, sponsored by South San Francisco Scavenger Co.
We will be removing invasive plants and planting natives at the Northeast Ridge. Meet at the end of Checkerspot Drive, near Rock Wren Lane. Dress for the weather and don't forget to bring your own water bottle. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers will receive commemorative tees and lunch for their efforts. Please register in advance through San Bruno Mountain Watch.
22nd Annual Artists' Evening of Sharing: Saturday, Feb. 3
Each year, the City of Brisbane invites local artists to share their work with the Brisbane public at the Artists' Evening of Sharing. At this free annual event, Brisbane artists will present music, theater, dance, images of visual artwork, photography, and film. This showcase of Brisbane’s diverse artists and provides an opportunity for our community to follow the rich diversity and depth of talent in our town. It encourages an exchange of ideas about art and fosters new relationships and creative collaborations. This year's event will take place at the Mission Blue Center on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. Visit brisbaneca.org/AES2024 for more info!
Save the Date: Resume and Interview Workshop for Teens: Saturday, February 10
Save the Date: Sweetheart Pickleball Tournament, Wednesday, February 7
The teams had a fabulous time competing last year, we had to do it again! Register online to reserve your spot! If you have any questions, please email Recreation Coordinator Jeff Franco at jfranco@brisbaneca.org or call him at 415-508-2135.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6 PM
- Mountain Fresh
- Villanueva Fruits
- Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn
- California Bakeshop
- California's Crêpe
- Hummus Heaven
- James Healey Confections (hopes to return next week)
- Medina Berry Farms
- Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
- Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
- Roadside Rotisserie
- The Daisy Refillery (back next on 2/8)
A reminder that C/CAG's Local Roadway Safety Plan project team will be at the market tomorrow to hear your feedback on Brisbane's priority areas from 2 - 6 p.m.
Community Health Updates
You've probably seen the headlines that COVID, flu, and RSV cases are on the rise. COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels are also very high across the U.S. Public health officials are also cautioning that now is not the time to let down our guard. Yes, we heard that many times over the course of the pandemic, but the same rings true today as we come out of the holiday season; it's a given that more viruses have spread from holiday travel and we should take precautions to stay healthy if we don't care to be sick. Wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, and stay home if you're feeling sick!
If you're feeling COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC recommends you test immediately. A positive result is usually reliable. However, a negative test result may not mean you don't have COVID-19. Test again 48 hours later, and mask up as it can take a few days for virus levels to reproduce to be detected by a rapid test.
Order another round of FREE at-home COVID-19 tests this fall on covid.gov/tests via USPS. If you did not order tests this Fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests. Need help placing an online order? Call 1-800-232-0233.
County Health is recommending that everyone who is eligible get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 bivalent 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 SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org or call 650-573-2877 for more information.
Masks are optional at all City facilities. City Hall's Public Walk-In Hours are M, Tu, Th: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., W: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and F: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. 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
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, January 11, 7:30 p.m.
Did You Know?
Brisbane's minimum wage follows the State's, which, effective January 1, 2024 became $16. If you have any questions, need additional information, or believe you are not being paid correctly, please contact your employer or visit the State's Department of Industrial Relations website.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, January 24. 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 & social media pages. Thanks for reading and staying engaged with us!