The Blast Interim CM Holstine's Weekly Update | February 28, 2024

In the afternoon, we had a second swearing in ceremony, this time for our general employees. Before the pandemic, we did these types of events every 6 months or so. It's likely this type of schedule will resume going forward; in the meantime, below are the city staff that have either started in new positions or joined us over the last 2-3 years.

I thank the departments and employees' families for making the effort to join us today in recognizing and celebrating this exciting moment in each of their careers with the City of Brisbane.

Vote Center at City Hall Opening Saturday, 3/2

Leading up to Election Day for the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 5th (where you can register to vote the day-of), a 4-Day Vote Center will be open starting Saturday, 3/2 through Election Day, Tuesday, March 5th. If you prefer to drop off your ballot, there is a 24-Hour Outdoor Ballot Drop Box located outside of City Hall; the Brisbane Library also has a Ballot Drop Box, located inside the Library. For more information on the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, please call the San Mateo County’s Elections Division at 650-312-5222, visit smcvote.org, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @smcvote.

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.

Understanding California's Insurance Crisis Town Hall - Wednesday, 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 town hall in person? Join via Zoom here (Meeting ID: 824 9797 9130).

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 in the approach direction, 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.

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.

HEART's Free First-Time Homebuyer Workshop, Wednesday, March 6

HEART's Free First-Time Homebuyer Workshop is designed to equip prospective buyers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of purchasing a home in today's market. This workshop is ideal for families and individuals residing or working in San Mateo County who are first-time homebuyers. To ensure they cater to those they aim to help, please register in advance!

County Webinar: Honoring our Shared Humanity - Countering Islamophobia and Antisemitism, February 29th

Islamophobia and antisemitism are on the rise locally due to international events. People in the County have lost loved ones, experienced increased hate and divisiveness, and some have lost a sense of belonging and community. The goal of this webinar is to increase understanding and belonging as we acknowledge the experiences of many Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab communities, among others, in San Mateo County, and strive towards connecting across our shared humanity. The webinar will feature leaders in the Jewish and Muslim community, with facilitated Q/A from the virtual audience. It's scheduled to start at 5 PM on the 29th.

Final Artist Studio in City Hall with Beth Grossman, Wednesday, 3/6

“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 the first Artist Studio in City Hall for climate action postcard-making session last Wednesday at City Hall (50 Park Pl, Brisbane, CA) and is offering one more session on Wednesday, March 6th 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.)

Matilda Jr. Live at Lipman - Wednesday, 2/28 and Friday, 3/1

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.

"HerStory Meets YourStory" Poster Workshop Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 PM at the Brisbane Library

This workshop offers a unique blend of historical exploration and personal expression. Participants will be guided through the creation of a poster divided into two halves. One side will represent a specific woman in history, utilizing vibrant colors and artistic elements. The other half will be dedicated to the participant's personal journey, allowing them to artistically and textually bridge the gap between historical inspiration and their own story. "HerStory Meets YourStory" will take place at the Brisbane Library on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 PM.

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!

Parents Night Out, March 16

Speaking of parents socializing, 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!

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

Michael Rodman is the only oil painter on the SF Peninsula offering these type classes. And he happens to live and teach right here in Brisbane, with his classes being offered Thursdays at Mission Blue Center starting March 14th, from 6 - 8:30 PM!

Upcoming Pickleball League

Brisbane's first-ever Pickleball League is about to get started!

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!

If you have any questions, please email Recreation Coordinator Jeff Franco at jfranco@brisbaneca.org or call him at 415-508-2135.

Mermaid & Pirate Pool Party, March 23

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 - 14

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​
• California Bakeshop
• Hummus Heaven
• Medina Berry Farms
• Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
• Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
• Roadside Rotisserie
• The Daisy Refillery (every 2nd Thursday)

Upcoming Public Meetings

Archived Meeting Videos

IDEA Committee Meeting - Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 6 PM

Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, February 22, 7:30 PM

Did You Know?

The Community Park Playground Resurfacing project is complete, with playground users appearing to be thoroughly enjoying the updated surfacing.