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September 10-16 is Suicide Prevention Week
Last week's Blast and Baby Blast focused on September being Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month. This week, for Suicide Prevention Week, we are including a special focus on the power of sharing hope. During Suicide Prevention Week and beyond, sharing can create a sense of belonging while also reducing the weight of our burdens.
The act of sharing can also serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. By sharing hope with one another and throughout our communities, we can support and help connect individuals to resources. Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. And remember, for immediate help, you can connect 24/7 to free confidential crisis support:
- Call the San Mateo County Crisis Line (run by Starvista) at (650) 579-0350 or visit sanmateocrisis.org
- Text “BAY” to 741741
- National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Recap of Senator Becker's Fentanyl Crisis Town Hall
In case you missed Senator Becker's Town Hall on the Fentanyl Crisis, a recording is now available to view on-demand:
HIGHLIGHTS:
- ADDICTION RISK: “Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the U.S.,” according to the C.D.C.’s article, “Fentanyl Facts.”
- GET NARCAN: Having ready access to Naloxone, also known as Narcan, will save lives, in the event of an overdose. Narcan will be available without prescription soon. Meanwhile, you can get it at the following sites now: One Life Counseling Center (San Carlos), Alexian Health Clinic (San Jose), Central Valley Clinic (San Jose), South County Clinic (San Martin)
- TALK TO YOUR KIDS: Learn new and effective techniques on how to speak with your child about drugs at the New Drug Talk Parent Portal, where you can find helpful tools and information to guide your next conversation.
- DON’T TRUST FAKE PILLS: Since pills cannot be tested reliably, only take pills dispensed legally from pharmacists. So many fake pills are contaminated with fentanyl, and one dose can be lethal.
- TEST STRIPS: Test strips are a good harm reduction tactic. In a college environment, drugs will be used recreationally within social circles, and having test strips ready creates a culture where all drugs are tested.
- GET HELP: To get help for yourself or a loved one in San Mateo County who has substance use and abuse issues, please visit County Health's Substance Use Treatment Service webpageg or call (800) 686-0101.
Crocker Park Resurfacing Ribbon-Cutting, October 18
In 2017, the City of Brisbane was awarded federal funds as part of MTC’s One Bay Area Grant Cycle 2 Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvement Program for resurfacing the Crocker Park Trail. The project cost is to be covered by $885,300 as allocated by the grant program, and an 11.47% match in the amount of $114,700 by the City. Crusher fines, or a finely-crushed stone mix are being used, and will make for an all-season surface for all types and ages of visitors, including strollers and wheelchairs.
Dog Park Closure Week of September 25
Brisbane Pet Hoodies + New Design on Betsy
Thank you to Brisbane resident Jensen Junn for capturing his pup Jaeger modeling the Brisbane pet hoodie around town!
Check out the new Central Brisbane Map, whipped up by our Geographic Information Systems manager, Bob Sage. This design is on shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, cups, and totes. Until Sunday, 9/18, these items will be 15% off.
Brisbane Lions' White Cane Day, October 6th
Join the Brisbane Lions for White Cane Day on October 6th, from 6-9am. They will be raising funds to help the Brisbane community with eyesight needs.
*Note: The Brisbane Lions will not be having a Flu Shot Clinic this year due to San Mateo County Health not offering the flu vaccine serum that has enabled the Brisbane Lions to offer free flu vaccines annually for the last couple of decades. San Mateo County continues to advise that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. To find your closest flu vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov.
Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open!
Day in the Park is Saturday, October 7
The next big event in the park is Day in the Park, happening this year on Saturday, October 7th (it's always the first Saturday in October).
Now's the time to also register for the Brisbane Derby and reserve an official Brisbane Derby Car Kit! Park and Rec will be hosting Derby Car Building Workshops on the 10th, 17th, and 24th (practice run day is October 1st). These workshops are now being taught by Park & Rec; previously, they had been long taught by the late "Dan Can Do" Sorrentino. Please make sure you're registered and pick up your car kits prior to the workshop you plan to attend!
Collective Camp Yoga - September Offerings
CA Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 is Saturday, September 23
Join the City of Brisbane Open Space and Ecology Committee and Parks and Recreation for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Brisbane Marina. They will set up in the North Parking Lot, near the public fishing pier and Dock 6.
Please bring your own water bottle and dress for the weather, including sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers. Supplies including trash/recycle bags, gloves, and a limited number of pickers will be provided; consider bringing your own buckets, gloves, and pickers if you have them. Volunteers will receive free tees and sandwiches for their efforts, along with the great feeling of being part of one of the largest volunteer events and helping to keep our coast and Bay clean!
SPYC Regatta Day is Saturday, September 23
September 23rd is a good day to be hanging out at the Brisbane Marina!
Please join the Sierra Point Yacht Club on Saturday, September 23rd from 12pm-5pm for the 2nd annual Sierra Point Yacht Club Regatta Day at the Brisbane Marina (500 Sierra Point Parkway). Free admission includes live music, featuring San Francisco’s El Guajiro and Brisbane’s own Lee Velinsky Trio, as well as a variety of fun games. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Back by popular demand: the Float-a-Boat building challenge. How many marbles can your makeshift “yacht” take? All cheer for the last one floating! New this year: the Tournament of Dinghies. Teams of 2 race rowing dinghies inside the marina. Dinghies and life jackets provided. Pre-register your team by emailing Brian Hudon at Vice_Commodore@sierrapointyc.org (and bring a towel and change of clothes just in case).
HIP Housing's September Home Sharing Flyers
HIP Housing will be one of the vendors at this year's Day in the Park. They'll have information about their various services and programs, including their Home Sharing Program. Find their latest Home Sharing Flyers below. They're also shared on the City's website each month.
New Housing Readiness Program from HIP Housing
HIP Housing has a new program! The Housing Readiness Program provides affordable housing information to individuals who contact their agency and follow-up support. For low-income older adults, the Housing Readiness Program staff meets individually with participants to help them navigate the County's complex affordable housing resources. Please contact (650) 348-6660 for more information or go to HIPHousing.org.
C/CAG's Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan - Help Identify Where Traffic Safety is a Concern
The City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County is conducting a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) to help get funding for important roadway improvements across the County. To inform the LRSP, C/CAG is seeking input to identify corridors, intersections, and other locations where traffic safety is a significant concern.
Use this mapping tool to input your comments by September 30th. Thank you for helping make San Mateo County safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. For more information about the project, visit ccag.ca.gov/countywide-local-roadway-safety-plan.
BART's Reimagined Schedule Started on Monday
On September 11, BART rolled out a reimagined service plan that is responsive to post-pandemic commute patterns and ridership growth opportunities. Some highlights of the new schedule:
- Eliminates 30-minute wait times on nights and weekends.
- No BART rider will wait more than 20 minutes for a scheduled train no matter what hour of the day or day of the week.
- 50% increase in evening service seven days a week.
- Service on BART’s busiest weekday line, the Yellow Line, increases from trains every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes from Pittsburg/Bay Point.
- Reduced wait times thanks to new scheduled transfers.
- New schedule improves reliability and better serves SFO and OAK. All Red Line trains will stop at SFO before Millbrae, streamlining service for airport riders.
- Only new Fleet of the Future trains will run for the base schedule
- Trains will run shorter to enhance safety and cleanliness and to increase police presence
SunShares Discounts Now Open
Bay Area SunShares is offering discounts on home battery storage and solar installation to all Bay Area Residents. Join a SunShares Webinar for more information about the program: September 21, 5-6pm; October 18, 12-1pm; November 1st, 6-7pm.
Deadline Extended: Apply to be a Youth Climate Ambassador by Monday, September 18
San Mateo County’s Youth Climate Ambassador Program has opened applications for the next cohort of this 7-month program (October 2023 - April 2024). All ninth through 12th-grade students who live in San Mateo County are eligible to apply. Participants build their knowledge of climate change, explore various climate solutions, and develop a final project to create positive, environmental change within their school or local community. Applications are open now and close at midnight on Monday, Sept. 18. Learn more and apply.
Traffic Safety Tips from North County Fire Authority
North County Fire Authority's CERT Interest Form
Following a major disaster, police, fire, and medical professionals may not be able to fully meet the demand to respond to emergencies. People will have to rely on each other to provide immediate assistance and life-saving and sustaining needs. Through CERT training, cities provide information to its residents about how to prepare and handle disasters and reduce the risk of dangers inside and outside of their homes. Equip yourself, your family, and community with life saving skills for potential severe emergencies and disasters. Fill out an interest form through the North County Fire Authority website to attend local CERT classes.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm
- 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 (every 4th Thursday of the month, alternating between Cleaning refills and Personal Care refills)
Save the Date: Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon is Saturday, Oct. 7
Coming back for its fifth year on Saturday, October 7th (yes, it's the same day as the Day in the Park) is the Star City San Bruno Half Marathon!
A portion of the registration fee ($90, if registered before 9/16) will go straight toward the Brisbane Lions Club, specifically the Lions' Scholarship Fund. Registration and more information can be found at starcityhalfmarathon.wordpress.com.
COVID Community Updates
CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available later this week. Check vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you.
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
Complete Streets Safety Committee Meeting - Wednesday, September 6, 6:30pm
City Council Meeting - Thursday, September 7, 7:30pm
Did You Know?
San Mateo has a new Health Officer, Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana. Learn more about the changing role of health officers after the COVID-19 pandemic response and the “bread and butter” items and interactions Dr. Baldwin-Santana wants to focus on going forward in order to move the needle on improving health outcomes.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, September 20th, 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!