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Ribbon-Cutting for New PV Solar System, 10/2
The public is invited to join City officials, staff, as well as representatives from Peninsula Clean Energy and the CA Coalition for Clean Air at Mission Blue Center (475 Mission Blue Drive, Brisbane) on Monday, October 2nd at 2pm to spotlight Clean Air Day. Members of the press are also invited to hear comments about the importance of clean air from a pulmonologist and Brisbane resident Dr. Sachin Gupta, Peninsula Clean Energy's Director of Programs Rafael Reyes, and Peninsula Clean Energy Board Member and Brisbane Councilmember Coleen Mackin.
In March, the City with funding and support from our partners, Peninsula Clean Energy and CALeVIP, completed installation of 10 networked Level 2 EV chargers at Mission Blue Center, along with additional chargers at other Brisbane sites. This month, installation of a solar photovoltaic system on the Mission Blue facility, which is a critical emergency shelter for Brisbane, was completed as part of the Peninsula Clean Energy program to place solar panels on government facilities. We hope you'll join us at Mission Blue on Monday, October 2nd at 2pm for a short program and refreshments!
Northernmost Home in the 2023 Electric Home Tour is in Brisbane
More than 40 private homes across the Peninsula and South Bay are opening their homes on Saturday, October 14th to display the electric appliances and equipment they have installed to replace gas-burning products. The mission of the Electric Home Tour is to empower homeowners to make informed decisions about transitioning from gas to electric home appliances. The free Electric Home Tour will take place from 10am to 4pm and requires advance registration. (Addresses of homes on the tour will be emailed to registered tour-goers a few days beforehand.)
Keeping Your Home Pest-Free
They say our homes are our sanctuary, but it can feel far from it when rodents are in the picture! It should be of no surprise that rodents will seek out environments where food, water, and shelter are found. The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) has put together a helpful guide for Rodent Prevention which includes the following helpful tips to discourage rodents from visiting your property (following them also keeps away coyotes, which prey on the rodents!):
- Harvest fruit as soon as it ripens, and pick up fallen fruit
- Don’t leave birdseed on the ground, or leave out peanuts for squirrels
- Never leave pet food out overnight, and store it in closed metal containers
- Keep rodents out of structures by sealing all openings larger than a nickel
The SMCMVCD can provide a free rodent inspection on your property, but cannot provide rodent control services to individual residents. If you'd like to schedule a free inspection, please contact the District at (650) 344-8592 or via their webform at: smcmvcd.org/request-service.
Library Annual Report and Programs for Older Adults
At last Thursday's City Council Meeting, Cary Mossing, Library Manager for the Brisbane Library, provided the City Council with a summary of San Mateo County Libraries' 2022-2023 Annual Report. As seen in the slide, their staff's diversity mirrors the communities they serve, helping them incorporate the wisdom of very lived experiences to better offer inclusive resources, meaningful resources, and engaging events.
March celebrated the first anniversary of their expanded 7-Day-a-Week service, which provided more in-person opportunities for discovery and support through access to the latest technology, programming, and school and job resources. SMCL's brand-new, zero-emission Makermobile will be coming to Brisbane's Day in the Park on October 7th! Get ready to see state-of-the-art tech such as laser cutting and 3D printing on display. If you're looking for programs and services for older adults, check out this resource document that SMCL staff recently compiled.
Portion of U.S. 101 SB Closed for Cordilleras Creek in RWC Replacement Project this Weekend
Are you traveling to the South Bay this upcoming weekend? You'll need to plan ahead as SB U.S. 101 at Brittan Ave. in Redwood City will be closed for 55 hrs. starting at 10pm, Fri. 9/29 until 5am, Mon. 10/2. Learn more: SM101cordillerascreekbridge.com or call (510) 286-0319.
North County Fire Authority Safety Tip
Lastly, please save Saturday, October 14th, from 10am - 2pm for Fire Service Day. NCFA will be hosting Open Houses throughout Daly City, Pacifica, and Brisbane that day and invite the public to join them at one of the stations.
Pink Patch Party Hosted by San Mateo PD, 10/7
Join San Mateo PD and Brisbane Police Officers at Pink Patch Day supporting Breast Cancer Awareness on Saturday, October 7th from 11-4pm on the 100 block of S. B St. This event offers no-cost mammograms, a drone demonstration, an opportunity to dunk-a-cop, healthcare resources, live music, and raffles. Some of our Brisbane Police Officers will be in attendance to support! The others will be at Day in the Park.
A Reminder from Ozzy the Organics Cart
Schools are back in session, days are getting shorter, and there is a growing number of leaves on the ground. Fall is here! Why not welcome the new season with a renewed commitment to waste reduction? These seasonal tips will help!
- Correctly store all the yummy fall fruits and vegetables you buy. This will help them last longer and be more likely to get eaten instead of tossed out. Visit stopfoodwaste.org and savethefood.com for storage instructions as well as recipes and shopping tips.
- Start composting in your own backyard. Having and using your green cart for food scraps, food-soiled paper, fall leaves and other yard waste is wonderful but if you have the room, why not make your own compost? The County of San Mateo offers free workshops and discounted bins. Visit smcsustainability.org/waste-reduction/composting for details.
- Participate in clothing exchanges and patronize thrift and consignment shops. If you must buy that new fall sweater, make sure it’s well-made. This will keep clothes in circulation longer and out of the landfill.
- Use what nature provides and what you already have. Fall leaves, cornstalks, sunflowers, squash, and gourds make beautiful decorations and can be composted at the end of the season. Cardboard boxes, broken umbrellas, and old linens can be used to make fabulous Halloween costumes. Get creative!
Mothers of Brisbane Costume Swap at Day in the Park
How timely! The Mothers of Brisbane (MOB) will once again be hosting their annual costume swap at Day in the Park on Saturday, October 7th. Before you head out to buy anything this year, make sure you stop by their booth!
Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival at the Library
San Mateo County Libraries celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival last Friday in Brisbane, where TaiJi Studio's Irene Hu demonstrated taijiquan fist and weapon forms before a captive audience. Afterwards mooncakes, which symbolize fullness and unity, were distributed from the Library to the attendees, and the IDEA Committee handed out jasmine green tea gift boxes, which were donated by the Library’s nextdoor neighbor, Boba Guys.
Read The October 2023 STAR
New Offerings at Day in the Park
In addition to the traditional events that take place on this first Saturday in October, such as the morning Derby races, there will be an Adult Big Wheel Race and a Pie Baking Contest! See more details below...
And if you haven't yet signed up for the Derby, or reserved an official Derby Car Kit, there's still time to do so! Check out Recreation Coordinator Ricardo Monroy (aka "The Rocket" Monroy) running the Big Wheel course:
Underwater Pumpkin Patch, October 14
Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open
Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department
The City of Brisbane is currently recruiting for an Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department. The ideal candidate for this position is self-motivated, provides varied and office administrative and secretarial support to a department head and related management, professional, and supervisory staff; performs technical support work related to the department to which assigned; may provide lead direction and/or training to a small office support staff on a project or day-to-day basis; and performs related work as required.
If you think you have what it takes to excel in this position, please be sure to apply online at brisbaneca.org/jobs by Wednesday, October 4th!
Watch Ballet Folklorico México Vivo, October 1
Ballet Folklorico México Vivo was established to promote Mexican culture through dance. Since 1997 they have served the community of Redwood City and surrounding areas by sharing rich traditions of dance through performances. The organization is composed of many families, and they are proud to showcase fathers, mothers, sons and daughters dancing side by side – passing their culture from one generation to another. Join them at the Brisbane Library Sunday, October 1st at 11am!
Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Program
Brisbane is seeking volunteers to help keep Brisbane and the Bay free of litter and debris. Help keep storm drains clear to help manage stormwater and to minimize flooding. The City of Brisbane thanks the volunteers who have already adopted a drain. For more information, please visit brisbaneca.org/adoptadrain or email Assistant Engineer Matthew Lee for any questions.
C/CAG's Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan - Submit Comments by Saturday, Sept. 30
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 Saturday, 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.
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: October 18, 12-1pm; November 1st, 6-7pm.
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 (will be at the 9/28 Farmers' Market; bring your empty containers)
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.
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 will go straight toward the Brisbane Lions Club, specifically the Lions' Scholarship Fund. Registration and more information can be found at starcityhalfmarathon.wordpress.com.
Crocker Park Trail 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.
Save the Date: Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue - Hosted by the Brisbane Chamber, October 28
Join the Brisbane Chamber for a night of spine-tingling excitement at "Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue!" Chanteuse Madame Borghesi and her sizzling 3-piece jazz combo with musical direction by San Francisco’s one and only Ross Gualco will entertain with mischievous songs and stories. The revue will also feature mesmerizing performances by world-class circus and variety artists, including chilling juggling feats and jaw-dropping magic tricks. Brisbane's own Lafi Faletoese-Ma'u will also take center stage, belting out tunes that will take your breath away. They anticipate the show will sell out, so get your tickets now at brisbanechamber.org/cabaret or on Eventbrite. Doors open at 6:15pm, and the show will start at 7pm.
COVID Community Updates
As of 9/25/23, the federal government is again making available one order of 4 free at-home/antigen COVID-19 tests per residential address/P.O. box. Order them at covidtests.gov. You can also order from USPS by phone at (800) 232-0233. The Brisbane Library also has a limited quantity of antigen tests available.
The FDA approved a new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer and recommends it for anyone 6 months and older, regardless of vaccination status, and is now available. The FDA notes that it is safe to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine with the flu & RSV vaccinations. The new COVID-19 vaccine is classified as a vaccine and not a booster because it's designed to target COVID-19 strains that are currently circulating, specifically omicron variant XBB.1.5, which drove a majority of infections in early 2023. This vaccine also protects against the newer variants such as EG.5 & BA.2.86.
Walgreens & CVS are offering appointments on their website or app, with select locations for walk-in appointments. You can also schedule your appointment on vaccines.gov.
Additional doses may be recommended for younger children and high-risk individuals based on their vaccination and infection history, but for most individuals, an annual COVID-19 shot is recommended. Those who recently had COVID-19 may choose to wait three months after testing negative to get the updated shot, according to the CDC, but that is not a requirement. Those who recently received the older bivalent booster should wait two months after their most recent dose.
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
IDEA Committee Meeting - Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6pm
City Council Meeting - Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30pm
Did You Know?
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, October 4th, 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!