The Blast City Manager Holstine's Weekly Update | August 30, 2023

Annual Leak Detection Survey

Every year, the City's Public Works Department contracts with a company to provide a non-invasive, accurate, and comprehensive leak detection survey for various sections of the City's water mains. This work started today and will be finishing up tomorrow. Unlike major plumbing disasters, leaks can be much more discreet. However, with the use of special sound amplification equipment at contact points (i.e. main line valves, hydrant valves, hydrants, etc.), the specialist is able to pick out even the smallest of leaks, and even determine its location. From there, Public Works can either quickly address their own issue or alert the homeowner of their issue so that the leak can be resolved before too much time and expense has been incurred. Just another example of what's done behind-the-scenes to help keep our waterlines problem-free!

8/30 Air Quality Advisory

The Air District is issuing an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke through Thursday, August 31. A Spare the Air Alert is also in effect for today, Wednesday, August 30. Smoke from numerous fires in Northern California and Oregon is expected to impact air quality throughout the Bay Area through tomorrow, causing air quality to reach high-moderate on the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index. Smoky, hazy skies may be visible and the smell of smoke is possible. Pollutant levels are NOT expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and there is no Spare the Air Alert in effect for Thursday. Check Brisbane's current air quality. Note: a strike team from Brisbane has been out at the Smith River Complex in Del Norte County since the 20th.

City Hall in the Palm of your Hand

With the My Brisbane mobile app, you can submit service requests with just a few taps on your phone. To get started, simply download the My Brisbane app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you've opened the app, select the "Start Request" button. From there, you can choose the type of request you want to submit, whether it has to do with city street trees, the Marina, or water or sewer leaks. You'll then be prompted to take a photo of the issue and provide a brief description. You can also use the app to track the status of your request and receive updates on when it will be addressed. So why wait? Download the My Brisbane app today and start reporting issues with ease. Note: no smartphone? No problem. My Brisbane can also be accessed via a webform on the City's website at brisbaneca.org/contact.

Read The September 2023 STAR

Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open!

Fall Registration for Brisbane residents opened August 22nd.

Help Those Affected by the Maui Wildfires

The fires have been extinguished, but the challenges for Maui and its people are significant. The City of Brisbane is committed to assisting Maui's recovery by sharing relief funds directly with local non-profits, local leaders of Maui and Hawaii, and Maui community members. We strongly encourage our residents to contribute and offer their assistance in any way possible.

Additionally, for those who are employed, we recommend checking with your employer to inquire about the possibility of matching funds. Employer matching can significantly amplify the impact of individual donations, making it an excellent way to further support Maui's recovery efforts.

Please see brisbaneca.org/maui for more information on 8 Maui wildfire relief efforts you can help support. The list ranges from the Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund to Maui United Way to the Maui Humane Society.

Thank you for your generous spirit, Brisbane. By offering our assistance, resources, and compassion, we can play a vital role in helping Maui recover from the devastating fires and emerge, perhaps, even stronger than before.

Shop Betsy, Brisbane's Official Online Merch Store

Brisbane's Etsy shop, otherwise known as "Betsy", is where you can find apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and including youth and kids/toddlers sizes), stickers/pins, cups/mugs, tote bags, and more, and in all different colors! ** Special Launch Deal Extended- Get 15% off site-wide for Brisbane's launch sale through September 5th.**

Brisbane Dance Workshop Registration Now Open for Dance & Theater Classes for Preschool - Adults

Do you have a preschool, elementary, or middle school age youngster who is ready to spread their creative wings and dive into the wonderful world of dance and theater? Brisbane Dance Workshop is now open for registrations to both new and returning students.

Session 1 classes begin on Monday, September 11. Please visit BDW's website for details and send any questions to brisbanedanceworkshop@gmail.com.

City's Low-Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program

As a reminder, at the April 20, 2023 City Council Meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2023-17, increasing the charges for water and sewer services and setting the discount rate for the City’s Low Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) plan at 25% for all services. The new rates, which cover the increasing cost of service, simplify the former rate structures, and better promote equity among customers, became effective on June 15, 2023 and will be reflected on the August bill (being sent out TODAY, August 30th).

This August bill captures the June 15th – August 15th billing cycle, and will be sent out the last week of August (due Thursday, October 5, 2023). Learn if you qualify for LIRA at brisbaneca.org/lira or the State’s Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) at csd.ca.gov/waterbill. The State’s LIHWAP Referrals Portal is available at taphelp.org (to begin the application process, please complete and submit the form found on that webpage). Should you have any questions about your bill or the new rates, FAQs are available on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/utility-billing. To speak with a staff member, please reach out to Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 or email her at lferreira@brisbaneca.org.

Day in the Park Call for Vendors!

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).

Vendor applications are now being accepted and are due Friday, September 8th, no exceptions. The event will be hosted in Brisbane at the Community Park. This event is family-friendly, with free admission and free parking. Vendor applications can be found here. For more information or with questions pertaining to the event, please email Ricardo directly at rmonroy@brisbaneca.org.

Collective Camp Yoga - September Offerings

Join Dawn David and The Collective Camp for Yoga. The first class is free! The Collective Camp September offerings will be available to register for on Active starting tomorrow, August 31st.

Pickleball Wednesdays

The first Wednesday Pickleball at Mission Blue was a hit last week! Through October 25th on Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm, there will be designated Pickleball time at Mission Blue Tennis Courts. FREE. Staff will be placing temporary pickleball lines on the courts. During this time, pickleball can be played on the courts on a first come, first serve basis. No additional supplies or instruction will be provided. Parks and Rec looks forward to testing this out and appreciates the community in advance for their participation and cooperation. Email Ricardo Monroy for any questions.

Virtual Town Hall with Senator Becker, Aug. 31 Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis: What’s Being Done on the Peninsula?

There is no doubt that California is facing a deadly epidemic with fentanyl. In 2021, 5,961 Californians died from fentanyl overdose. That’s more than the estimated 4,258 people who died in auto accidents on California roads and more than double the 2,548 killed in homicides. 1 in 5 youth deaths involved fentanyl that year. These deaths come, in part, from people unknowingly buying another substance that turns out to contain fentanyl. Lack of understanding of this epidemic is contributing to needless overdoses and death.

It’s important for people of all ages to understand what fentanyl is and how it affects the body, to learn what our government is doing about it, and to hear from families that have lived through tragedy caused by this nefarious substance. Please join Senator Becker on Thursday, August 31st from 12-1:30pm. If you can't make it to the live event, a recording will be made available on Senator Becker's website after the event.

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.

New Caltrain Promotional Fares Launching Sept. 1st

Caltrain announced a range of new promotional fares will be available to customers starting September 1st, each designed to give riders more options and even greater value and strong incentives when they choose to travel on Caltrain.

Starting Friday, September 1st through January 2024 Caltrain will offer the following promos:

• 50% Off Parking: All parking prices reduced by 50% throughout the corridor.
• $1 Youth Pass: An incredible offer for our younger riders, this pass provides one-way rides for just one dollar.
• Three Day Pass: Tailored to the needs of hybrid commuters, this pass offers unlimited rides for three consecutive days from the day of purchase.
• Family Day Pass: For the cost of two adult fares and one youth fare, this pass allows two adults and up to four youths (18 and under) to ride together. Please note: all travelers using this pass must remain in the same train car.
• Group Day Pass: Designed with group travel in mind, this pass offers groups of four to six individuals a 15% discount off the cost of four tickets. All travelers must be in the same fare class (Adult, Youth, Eligible Discount) and share the same train car.

These new offerings will not only enhance the value of Caltrain's service but also highlight its commitment to making travel more accessible and affordable for a diverse range of passengers.

Community Outreach Grant Opportunity for Nonprofits- Peninsula Clean Energy

Peninsula Clean Energy invites applications for grants up to $45,000 to collaborate on outreach to residents in San Mateo County or in the City of Los Banos. All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or their fiscally sponsored projects with an established track record of public outreach, communications, providing social services, or case management in San Mateo County or the City of Los Banos are eligible and encouraged to apply. The application deadline is October 6, 2023. Contact Vanessa Shin with questions by 9/15.

SunShares Discounts Opens Friday, Sept. 1

SunShares is officially launching on Sept 1st, 2023! Bay Area SunShares will offer 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

Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults

The California Department of Aging asks residents age 55 and older to take the first-ever statewide needs assessment for older adults. Participation will “shape communities that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to your evolving needs.” The survey is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi and Arabic. The survey closes on Monday, Sept. 4. Learn more and take the survey.

County Elections Division Seeks Vote Center Staff

The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division is seeking seasonal Vote Center Trainers to assist in the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Duties include training on San Mateo County elections procedures, how to use Vote Center equipment, Vote Center set-up, and voter assistance. Vote Center Training is tentatively expected to begin Jan. 3, 2024. Those hired can expect to work for approximately nine weeks including on-site job training, teaching classes, and working in the Elections Division office. Apply today!

Apply to be a Youth Climate Ambassador

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 Friday, Sept. 15. Learn more and apply.

Heat 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)

A reminder that Roadside Rotisserie won't be at the market tomorrow due to catering a private event. Catch another prepared food vendor, California’s Crêpe, which owner Pedro calls a "landmark of doing what you love and sharing it with others." View California’s Crêpe's menu!

Pancake Breakfast with Mission Blue Nursery & San Bruno Mtn. Watch is September 10

The Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser will be held outdoors at Mission Blue Nursery at the base of San Bruno Mountain. Mission Blue Nursery will be open and selling native plants at the event from 9am-2pm.

Save the Date: 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!

Save the Date: SPYC Regatta Day is 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).

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

COVID-19 variant EG.5 is the dominant variant in the United States, followed by the FL.1.5.1 variant. Over the past month, hospitalizations jumped by 80% in California, rising from a daily average of 186 to 336. An updated booster is currently being developed targeting EG.5; it's scheduled to be available in pharmacies starting September 12th.

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:

• County and Statewide Data
• Vaccination Data
• COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance

Everyone ages 65+ and certain immunocompromised people are now eligible for an additional bivalent dose, with appointments now readily available. Find an appointment near you.

Visit covid.gov/tests ​to order tests for your household. Because the public health emergency ended, coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. At-home test kits may be directly ordered from healthcare providers, including Medi-Cal patients, Kaiser, Aetna, Blue Shield, etc. If you're uninsured, there’s a stockpile of free tests; use this search tool to find a location. Note: expiration ranges from 6 months - 2 years, depending on the brand. The date on the box may be incorrect, as the FDA later extended dates. Here is an updated list to see if it’s still good.

Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, August 23, 6:30pm

Planning Commission Meeting Thursday, August 24, 7:30pm

Did You Know?

Caltrans is installing a new bridge rail at the U.S. 101 northbound Bayshore/Cow Palace off-ramp. The crew that's been there for the past few weeks has been removing the old bridge rail, and part of the deck on the overhead. This crew is responsible for the removal and haul-off of the old rail and deck. A separate crew will be on-site once removal has been completed. This next crew will drill and dowel, onto the existing structure, tie new rebar per plan, form, and then pour the new deck and rail system. The new bridge rail will be taller, solid, and look more similar to a k-rail style barrier; it will likely look like the barrier on the northbound shoulder and median on Bayshore, that's located between Valley & Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy. This crew expects to be complete with their portion of work in about 2 weeks. The next crew’s work should take 2-4 weeks...putting the project's estimated completion to about mid-October. Thank you for driving safely and slowing down at that off-ramp!