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Understanding California's Insurance Crisis Town Hall - Tonight, March 6, 7 PM
Seven of the top 12 insurance companies have stopped selling new insurance in California in response to worsening wildfires. Join us at City Hall on Wednesday, March 6th to hear from:
- The California Insurance Commissioner's staff about the history of the fire insurance crisis and the status of the emergency regulations
- A representative from United Policyholders about how to shop and best handle triple-digit rate increases and non-renewal notices
There will also be a time for Q&A after the presentations by Mary Beth Bykowsky of the CA Dept. of Insurance, and Joel Laucher of United Policyholders.
In the meantime, please find a 2024 California Home Insurance Update here from United Policyholders, as well as a confidential 2024 California Home Insurance Survey about home insurance availability and costs in California. The data will help households and communities find insurance options in order to be prepared for and rebound after disasters.
Can't make the meeting in person? Join via Zoom here (Meeting ID: 824 9797 9130); it will also be livestreamed on the City's YouTube channel, youtube.com/brisbaneca, with the PowerPoint presentations as well as a meeting recording available following the event on the City's website, brisbaneca.org.
Got Wheels! Registration Reopened
Registration has reopened for Got Wheels! Are you 70 years or older and looking for a regular alternative to driving? Are you looking for an affordable transportation service that is available when you need it, any day – any time?
Got Wheels! provides up to 6 one-way rides a month for $5 per one-way ride in the service area, which includes SFO and 12 cities. Members may take up to 2 companions free of charge regardless of age and town of residence (provided they get on and off the cab at the same address as the member). To register, please contact the Got Wheels! Program Manager, Cherie Querol Moreno, at (650) 403-4300, ext. 4329 or email her at cqmoreno@pfso.org.
Residential Parking Permit Pilot Program Review at March 7th City Council Meeting
The City Council is considering a pilot residential parking permit program and would like your feedback. They will discuss the matter again at their March 7th meeting. The streets being considered for the pilot program are Tulare St. and Thomas Ave.
Many residents have shared their parking challenges in Central Brisbane with the City Council and the Complete Streets Safety Committee in recent years. Some of the most common complaints received are that non-residents park their vehicles in Brisbane for multiple days to avoid paying for parking at SFO, or that streets are being used as storage for households having excess vehicles. Further, with the passage of AB 413, beginning in 2025, “daylighting” of intersections, meaning eliminating parking within twenty feet of a crosswalk so approaching vehicles can better see pedestrians, bicycles, and cross traffic, will be enforceable. This will result in the removal of a yet to be determined number of parking spaces.
In a survey the City conducted in 2021, 48% of residents strongly agree and 30% of residents somewhat agree that there is a parking shortage in Central Brisbane. Typically, the most common remedy to address this issue in residential areas is to establish a parking permit program.
A comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the effectiveness and implications of a residential parking permit program (RPPP). This included public feedback and research into other cities’ residential parking permit programs.
At their February 1st City Council Meeting, the City Council directed staff to bring back a letter/survey that would be sent to residents on Tulare and Thomas to assess their interest in a pilot program and proceed accordingly. The pilot program will entail:
- One parking permit per licensed driver for one vehicle, registered at the address
- Permit parking hours of 10 PM to 6 AM the next morning, Sunday through Thursday
- In a 6-month pilot, 10 guest permits per dwelling/address will be available
- Enforcement will be complaint-based, carried out by BPD
The City of Brisbane encourages all interested residents to provide their feedback regarding a residential parking program in Central Brisbane, including whether they would support or oppose the program. Please email your feedback to councilmembers@brisbaneca.org or share it with the City Council in person at their March 7th City Council Meeting, taking place at 7:30 PM at City Hall. You can also join the meeting remotely via Zoom at brisbaneca.org/cc-zoom.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2024-25 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury
Apply now for a one-year term on the 2024-25 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or old and a San Mateo County resident. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2024. More information, including the application form to apply, can be found here.
Join an Online Community Workshop for the Peninsula Resilience Planning (PREP) Project, March 13th or April 3rd
The County of San Mateo, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica and San Bruno are working collaboratively on the Peninsula Resilience Planning (PREP) project to study how natural hazards and climate change will harm our communities and plan for a safer and more resilient future. Learn more.
Workshop #1
- Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
- Time: 6 – 7:30 PM
- Register here
Workshop #2
- Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
- Time: 6 – 7:30 pm
- Register here
Upcoming Tree Work at the Marina
In the coming week, certified arborists Davey Tree will commence work at the Marina between Dock 1 and just past Dock 6 to trim the top-middle portions of 2 poplar trees; they have also determined that 3 standing poplars are no longer alive and will be removing them (they will be cut to low stumps). Also included in Davey’s scope of work is removing a fallen poplar, stump grinding, and hauling away debris on the ground, as seen in the picture they provided. Once work starts, it should take about 2-3 days to complete; the remaining trees will be evaluated in the spring.
Stay tuned for more information about PlanIT Geo staff performing an inventory of our public trees in town.
Updated Brisbane Marina Spring/Summer Hours
As mentioned in the Brisbane Marina's March 2024 Newsletter, the Marina Office is changing back to their spring/summer Hours. As of Sunday, March 10th, they will be open 7 days/week during the following:
- Sunday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM
- Monday - Saturday: 8 AM -5 PM
Rent Assistance Available for Brisbane Residents
At their February 15th City Council Meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to update the eligibility requirements for Brisbane's Rental Assistance Program to support additional low-income households in Brisbane who may be experiencing financial hardship. The program is being administered by Samaritan House, with Brisbane's Core Service Agency, the YMCA Community Resource Center, processing the applications. View the eligibility criteria and guidelines of the program below:
- Live in Brisbane
- Income at 80% or lower of Annual Median Income (Family of 4 = $149,100, 3 people = $134,200, 2 people = $119,300, 1 person = $104,400)
- Not related to Landlord
- Have a signed rental agreement
- Savings not available to cover past-due rent
The maximum grant amount is $4,000 per household, which will be paid to the Landlord by Samaritan House.
Contact the YMCA Community Resource Center today at (650) 276-4101 ext. 4 or email them at crc@ymcasf.org to get started. If you need assistance, the staff from the YMCA Community Resource Center are available to meet with you in person or over the phone every Monday at the Library from 1 - 4 PM. An appointment is preferred.
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 hosted her third climate action postcard-making session today, Wednesday, March 6th at City Hall (50 Park Pl, Brisbane, CA). In case you weren't able to make it, another will be taking place on Wednesday, March 20th from 3 - 5:30 PM in the large conference room.
If you plan to come in for next week's session, be sure to arrive to City Hall between 3 PM and no later than 4:15 PM. (City Hall doors will be locked to the public after 4:30 PM.)
Spring Camp 2024 Registration Now Open!
Brisbane Parks and Recreation is looking forward to their two-week Spring Break Camp in April. It will be a "preview" of Summer Camp as campers will be going on field trips and swimming at the Community Pool!
North County Fire Authority's Latest Safety Tip
If You're 45 or Older, Make Your Voice Heard!
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.
Next Play Gym Offerings, March 9 & 23
Playgym is a great way to meet other parents of Brisbane's youngest residents. The Community Center is transformed into a safe and lively indoor gym so that the kids are well-entertained while the adults get to socialize. If you haven't checked it out yet, consider doing so when the next event is offered on Saturday, March 9th from 9:30 AM - 11 AM at the Community Center!
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop CC March 12 at the Brisbane Library
Adobe Photoshop CC is the industry-standard software for creating and editing stunning images, graphics and designs. Whether you want to enhance your photos, create digital art, or design logos, flyers, posters and more, Photoshop CC can help you achieve your creative goals. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of Photoshop CC. Take Introduction to Adobe Photoshop CC at the Brisbane Library on Tuesday, March 12th starting at 5 PM.
New Adult Oil Painting Session Starts Thursday, March 14
Did you know that anyone who works or lives in Brisbane gets the resident rate when they sign up for our programs and classes? Such as, Michael Rodman's Adult Oil Painting Class, taking place Thursdays at Mission Blue Center starting March 14th, from 6 - 8:30 PM. Talk about a great way to decompress.
Upcoming Pickleball League - Final Week to Register!
It’s the final week to sign up for Brisbane’s first-ever adult Pickleball League; we need two more teams of 2 to sign up to make the league run!
The league will be held on Thursdays, March 14th - April 25th at the Mission Blue Tennis/Pickleball Court. Teams of 2 and/or single players are welcome.
- Time: 6 PM - 10 PM
- 2 matches per week
- Playoffs
- Championship!
Teen Comedy
Parents Night Out, March 16th
The next Parents Night Out offering is taking place on Saturday, March 16th, between 5 - 10 PM at Mission Blue Center. Spend a night out while your kids enjoy games, crafts, dinner, and a movie with our wonderful Rec Leaders. Sign up to secure your spot!
Mermaid & Pirate Pool Party, March 23rd
Come to the Community Pool on Saturday, March 23rd from 1 - 3 PM to experience an unforgettable aquatic adventure including photo opportunities, crafts, snacks, and more! Please note: swim tails can be brought from home and worn for photos by the pool, on the side of the pool only. Participants are not allowed to swim with their swim tails. Thank you for understanding!
Lifeguard Training Class, April 12 - 14th
Speaking of the Pool, are you or someone you know interested in becoming a lifeguard? Now is the time to be trained by the best!
Participants must be at least 15 years of age, have the ability to swim 300 yards non-stop, tread water for 2 minutes with no hands, and be able to retrieve a 10-pound object from 8 feet deep and swim 20 yards with the object. Sign up now for the next Lifeguard Training Class, taking place Friday - Sunday, April 12-14.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6 PM
- Mountain Fresh
- Villanueva Fruits
- James Healey Confections (scheduled to return March 7th)
- Mango Blossom Apiary
- California Bakeshop
- Hummus Heaven
- Medina Berry Farms
- Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
- Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
- Roadside Rotisserie
- The Daisy Refillery (returns March 14th)
Upcoming Public Meetings
Archived Meeting Videos
Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 PM
Did You Know?
San Bruno Mountain Watch has an impressive digital public history section on their website. Earlier this week, they clipped and added 68 newspaper articles spanning 1975 to 2019 to a new collection about the San Bruno Elfin butterfly. Check it out at mountainwatch.org/archives.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, March 13th. 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!