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Brisbane Receives $200k in Measure K Funds
Yesterday at the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors Meeting, Supervisor David Canepa delivered a strong presentation where he outlined our request for $200k in Measure K funds (the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012, and extended in November 2016 for a total of 30 years) and for it to be used towards the installation of electric heat pump water heaters which will replace the pool’s current fossil fuel-powered boiler; the boiler is at the end of its useful life and is one of our largest mechanical users of fossil fuel. This project aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan and is based on a cooperative 2018 Zero Net Energy Study with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN). Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for your unanimous vote on this one-time district-discretionary project, and we especially thank Supervisor Canepa for his steadfast leadership and support for the City of Brisbane.
United Against Hate Week is November 12-18
Thanks to those who came to the IDEA Committee’s first Short-Film Festival in honor of United Against Hate Week! It was nice to say “Hello” to new faces and to be able to view together a diverse mix of short films covering different views, perspectives, and depictions of the heavy theme, United Against Hate. We heard attendees’ feedback, and you can now watch and learn more about the films that were played at the Short-Film Festival on our website brisbaneca.org. Brisbane's event was listed on the current events section of the UAH Week website along with many others taking place in-person and virtually across California.
The Peninsula Library System and libraries across San Mateo County are joining their communities together for United Against Hate Week. This author series features three authors whose stories promote inclusive and equitable communities for all. Events will be presented virtually and are open to all. Learn more.
In honor of United Against Hate Week, the County of San Mateo's Office of Community Affairs hosted a conversation with California Civil Rights and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office to learn about civil rights, how to report hate incidents and crimes, and what resources are available to victims and their families. Watch the conversation on Facebook.
Filming Continues with Keith Moreau
Local filmmaker Keith Moreau has been busily recording away at City Hall recently. In the last couple weeks, he's met a second time with Linda Salmon, and this past week, Clara Johnson, Anke Ente, and David Crocker. He's about 30% of the way through his original list, which was established by the City's Citizens History Committee. We thank Keith and everyone who's taken the time to come and be interviewed for the City's Oral History Project.
Dark Sky Ordinance Update
On the agenda for tomorrow's City Council Meeting is the introduction of the Dark Sky Ordinance which would add Chapter 15.88 to the Brisbane Municipal Code concerning outdoor lighting standards. This Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project (CEQA Guidelines, §15378 (b) (2)). As proposed, the ordinance will result in required changes to streetlights and other public facilities within fifteen (15) years of the effective date, with an estimated cost upwards of $1M. Additional implementation costs may include equipment and training for police officers. Staff proposes to create a program to systematically make updates over time.
Affordable Housing Strategic Plan Update
In 2021, aligned with the launch of the 2023-2031 Housing Element update, the City Council authorized the preparation of an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (AHSP) to guide the City's financial planning and priorities related to developing new affordable housing and preserving existing affordable housing. The revised Draft AHSP will be presented to the City Council tomorrow. Can't make the Council Meeting? Please let the Community Development Department know what you think about the revised Draft AHSP by submitting your questions or feedback via their online webform.
Inbound Rain Tonight
The expected rain has nearly been cut in half for this week across most of the Bay Area and Central Coast, with rain headed our way later tonight. For the latest forecast updates, please visit weather.gov/bayarea.
Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Program
And don't forget there is still the Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program going on, where residents who "adopt" the storm drain(s) nearest their property will receive a free landscape rake.
Paving Visitacion Pushed to the Week of Nov. 20
The City's contractor, Radius Earthwork Inc., is scheduled to begin the first part of the paving project for the upper portion of Visitacion on Monday, November 20th. Notices were distributed to affected residences and businesses. The map on the back of the notices shows the project area, which runs on Vis from Mendocino St. all the way up to San Benito (yes, all of what's shaded in red is the upper portion of Visitacion Ave).
Look for the No Parking signs on barricades which will indicate the days of work. We'll also get reminders out on the signboards, social media, and the City's website. Thank you for your patience, and please make sure to park your vehicle outside of the construction zone once work commences. For any questions, please call our Public Works Inspector at (415) 760-3053.
Day in the Park Shirt Design Now on Betsy
The widely popular 2023 Day in the Park LIMITED RUN t-shirts are now on Betsy! All Brisbane t-shirt orders are hand-delivered and include a free sticker! 100% cotton. Get yours while supplies last.
The San Mateo County History Museum Continues its “Free First Fridays” Program on December 1st
Not only is admission free the entire day (10am - 4pm), but two programs are planned for the public without any fees. At 11am, preschool children will be invited to learn about building houses. They will make their own paper cup houses. Then, Museum staff will conduct a reading within its "Living the California Dream" exhibit. Here, the youngsters will hear the story, "Jack’s House." At 2pm, Museum docents will lead tours of the Museum for adults. The museum is located at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City.
Brisbane Lions Club Holiday Trees Arrive Nov. 26th...Pre-Order Yours Now!
Support the Brisbane Lions Club and you support your Brisbane community! Trees will be available November 26th for on-site purchase or pre-order pick-up, Mondays through Fridays 5pm - 7pm and Saturday/Sundays from 11am - 5pm. Pre-Order now or come down to the lot and pick out your tree!
Diwali Celebration at the Brisbane Library Nov. 18
Happy Diwali, Brisbane - our wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness! Diwali is a 5-day long festival and started this year on November 12th. Join us this Saturday, November 18th as we close out this year’s celebration with a bang! We’re excited to join forces with community members and the Library for what will truly a wonderful celebration at the Brisbane Library from 1-4pm, complete with henna, dancing, lights, and of course, food! Please join us! And you’re interested in learning choreography to a popular Bollywood song, taught Brisbane resident Swetha, make sure you sign up. Space is limited to 20 participants per session.
- Kids Session (4-12 years) - 1:30 – 2pm
- Adults Session (12 years and above) – 2 – 2:30pm
Show off your new moves to the audience later in the afternoon around 3pm! A henna artist will be on-site from 1-3pm. Don't miss out on all the Diwali fun!
Free Community Shred Day Nov. 18
Join San Mateo Credit Union, now Monterra, for a Free Community Shred Day on Saturday, November 18th, from 10AM to 2PM at their So. San Francisco SMCU Branch parking lot (150 El Camino Real, SSF). Safely dispose of sensitive documents and protect your identity from fraud. Shredding services are free until the truck reaches capacity. Learn more at smcu.org/shred.
Nominations Now Live for SSMC’s 2024 Sustainability Awards!
Sustainable San Mateo County’s annual awards are highly coveted by those committed to advancing sustainability. They recognize an extraordinary commitment to the long-term health of our planet, for ourselves and future generations. Nominations are now open! SSMC welcomes nominations, including self-nominations, for their Sustainability Awards and Youth Sustainability Award. A call for nominations will be issued soon for the Green Building Award, which is awarded jointly by SSMC and the American Institute of Architects’ San Mateo County Chapter. The Ruth Peterson Award is presented at the discretion of SSMC’s Board of Directors. Learn more here.
Save the Date: Festival of Lights is December 3rd
Save the Date: BDW's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is Dec. 9th
See's Candies Fundraiser for BES PTO
Thanks for your support of BES PTO's annual See's Candies Fundraiser, running now through December 1st!
Annual Holiday Food & Gift Distribution - How to Register or Donate!
Could you or someone you know use a little extra support this holiday season? Then make sure to register for this year's Holiday Food and Gift Distribution. Brisbane residents can register in-person at the YMCA Community Resource Center located at 1486 Huntington Ave #100, South San Francisco Monday 8am-12pm; Tuesday/Thursday 8am-4pm. Registration can also be completed online Monday-Friday 8am-4pm by emailing crc@ymcasf.org or calling (650) 276-4104 x4. Make sure you bring your ID's, proof of your address, and a birth certificate/or school registration or ID card of minors in the household. The day-of the event will be Tuesday, December 19th from 3-5pm at Brisbane City Hall.
If you'd like to DONATE non-perishable food or new, unwrapped toys, you can do so now until December 15th by dropping them in the cart found in the lobby of City Hall (50 Park Place) or in the bin located in the Police Department's lobby (147 Valley Dr.)
Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey In-Person at an Upcoming City or Library Event
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. You can pick up hard copy surveys at any of the above events, such as Decorating Holiday Ornaments at the Library on 11/18 from 11-12pm.
What's Your Favorite Local Eatery?
MCTV, who the City contracts with to operate its meetings, is gearing up for production on their mini-series, In the Kitchen, which will highlight the fantastic mom and pop restaurants throughout San Mateo County. They want to feature your most beloved local eateries, the places that have been feeding your family for years with their delicious, homecooked meals. If you have a favorite spot that you think deserves recognition, please fill out MCTV's In the Kitchen nomination form as soon as possible and tell them about that special restaurant kitchen where the best comfort food in town is made with love. The deadline is approaching soon, so don't delay - nominate your top local tasty eatery today!
The Latest from Ozzy the Organics Cart
Here are some helpful tips from SSF Scavenger to reduce holiday waste:
- If you enjoy sending traditional greeting cards, make sure they are made from recycled content and can be recycled again. Avoid cards and envelopes with glitter and foil.
- Avoid excess packaging by shopping for gifts and groceries locally. Be sure to bring your own reusable shopping bags.
- Give gifts that are durable or consumable (such as performance or sporting event tickets, zoo, or museum memberships, a promise to babysit or to make a favorite meal). Stay clear of items that are sure to quickly end up in the landfill.
- Wrap gifts in something reusable. Avoid single-use gift wrap, bags, and ribbon—especially those that are not recyclable.
- If you are hosting a holiday meal, don’t over-buy at the grocery store. Need help figuring out how much to buy? Use the dinner party calculator at SAVETHEFOOD.COM
- Set your holiday table with reusable linens, plates, cups and silverware. If you think there may be leftovers, ask guests to bring reusable containers to fill.
- Do not decorate a live Christmas tree with anything you can’t remove when the holidays are over. Trees that have been flocked or covered in tinsel end up in the landfill instead of as valuable mulch.
Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives Launch Today for Contractors
TECH Clean California is offering contractor incentives of $3,100 to $5,300 per unit for replacing existing single family and commercial water heaters with heat pumps statewide. Equity incentives for single-family projects and multi-family incentives for heat pump water heaters are coming soon!
These incentives are only available to contractors enrolled in TECH Clean California. Visit the Switch Is On for more details. A list of qualified heat pump water heaters and contractor resources can be found on the Incentive Resources page.
Relatedly, are you having a hard time doing the research to replace your water heater with an electric heat pump? This easy-to-read guide was created by a San Mateo resident to help answer all your home water heating questions, including rebates specific to our region. If you live in San Mateo County, there are now fantastic rebates that make it cost as little as $200 to swap out your current gas water heater for a super-efficient electric heater. This will save you money every year and substantially reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, visit sanmateo.cleanhotwater.info.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, UPDATED HOURS 2-6PM
Please note that next week's Farmer's Market will take place on Wednesday, November 22nd from 2-6pm, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
- 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
- Cousins Maine Lobster (returning 12/14)
Community Health Updates
While COVID-19 infections have stabilized in recent weeks, flu season in California is escalating earlier than anticipated. The state reported its first influenza-related deaths this month, part of a nationwide surge in flu activity. Traditionally, California’s flu season peaks in February, but last year saw an earlier start and finish, and this year appears to be following a similar trajectory.
County Health is recommending that everyone who is eligible get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine before Thanksgiving holiday. 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 (650) 573-2877 or SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org for more information.
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
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, November 8, 6:30pm
Did You Know?
North County Fire Authority officials will conduct a second Hands Only CPR Presentation at Serramonte Mall's General Courtyard on Wednesday, December 13th at 1pm.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, November 22nd, 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!