The Blast Interim CM Holstine's Weekly Update | February 14, 2024

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Dark Sky Ordinance Passed, Effective March 1st

Did you hear about Brisbane being one of the first cities on the Peninsula (following Portola Valley) to pass an ordinance regulating new and existing outdoor lighting in order to reduce light pollution? I am proud of the work of our Open Space and Ecology Committee and city staff who worked hard to get this ordinance passed in January. The ordinance becomes effective March 1, 2024. Here's how to get ready.

The changes above can be made quickly and at low or no cost, and have a big impact on light pollution such as glare, light trespass, and sky glow. The ordinance provides longer timelines for more difficult or costly changes, such as complete fixture replacements. New or replaced lighting should meet the requirements now, while existing lighting must be brought into compliance within 5 years for commercial sites and 10 years for residential.

Buying new outdoor light fixtures? Keep the following in mind so you're in compliance with our ordinance:

• Use light only when and where it is needed, at the lowest levels to meet your need
• Make sure lighting is fully shielded
• Look for a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3000 Kelvin or less (at sunrise and sunset, the CCT is around 3000K so think warmer hues)
• Employ automated controls such as photocells and timers
• Check the City website for full requirements

Learn more at brisbaneca.org/darksky and join us in our mission to reduce light pollution!

Celebrate Black History Month at the Brisbane Library

At their meeting of February 1, 2024, the Brisbane City Council proclaimed February 2024 as Black History Month, calling on the larger community to study Black life, history, and culture, which can be accessed at asalh.org (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), and to acknowledge the value African American residents add to the strength, fortitude, and resilience of our city.

We wanted to remind you about a couple events San Mateo County Libraries is hosting at the Brisbane Library for Black History Month:

Create art inspired by the colorful masterpieces of Nellie Mae Rowe, an African-American artist known for her joyful expressions of Black beauty and culture. This is open to students afterschool. Join for Power Up Afternoon: Paint like Nelie Mae Rowe on Wednesday, February 21 at 2:30 PM.

Design and craft your own 12”x12” artwork inspired by the art collaborative community of Gee’s Bend Quilters. Learn more about the long history of African-American quilting through these generations of artists and craftswomen in Gee Bend, Alabama. In the 1960s the Gee's Bend Quilters established the Freedom Quilting Bee, to sell their quilt designs throughout the United States, gaining nationwide recognition for their contribution to art history. All ages welcome. This event will take place on Friday, February 23, at 3:30 PM. Register your spot.

Happy (Belated) Lunar New Year!

The Brisbane Preschool welcomed the Year of the Dragon last Friday with a parade outside of the BES Modular. Teacher Marcela has traditional garb for each of the children and Teacher Iris dons the lucky dragon costume, sweeping alongside the kids as they show off their costumes, lanterns, and drums! And they of course all got their red envelopes! It was a lovely little celebration. Happy Year of the Dragon, Brisbane! Sending you wishes for good health, prosperity, and wisdom in the Lunar New Year!

Don't forget, the Library's self-serve 3D printer has been pre-loaded with the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. Select one to print; you can also make a 2-hour appointment to start your project!

Artist Studio in City Hall with Beth Grossman

“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 from 3 - 5:30 PM at Brisbane City Hall (50 Park Pl, Brisbane, CA) and is offering two more on the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 21st
• Wednesday, March 6th

If you plan to come in for either of the next two Wednesday afternoon sessions, drop into the large conference room between 3 PM and no later than 4:15 PM. (City Hall doors will be locked to the public after 4:30 PM.)

Crocker Park Trail Walking Group

Recreation Coordinator Jeff Franco has been learned a lot about San Bruno Mountain and its native wildlife, flora, and fauna. He is excited to be helping lead a number of Crocker Park Trail Walking Groups until volunteer Paul Bouscal is back. Are you ages 55+ and seeking to exercise some more? Then join the next walking group on Monday, February 26th from 9 AM - 11 AM! Sign up with the Park and Rec Front Office by calling 415-508-2140.

AT&T's Notice of Pending Regulatory Application

Earlier this month, you may have received a letter from AT&T advising you of their pending regulatory application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to remove their obligation under California law to provide traditional landline phone service in Brisbane. Their application has not yet been approved by the CPUC, which staff reached out to for more information as well as any timeframe that can be provided. CPUC's Local Government and Community Liaison shared links to the docket where residents can voice their concerns. There is also a CPUC page dedicated to AT&T's applications, which does have a FAQ sheet.

Our Local Government and Community Liaison also shared that regarding timeframe, it's unknown right now due to this being an active proceeding that has not yet been ruled upon. There is, however, opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the impact on the public comment links below:

• apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2303002 for Application of AT&T California to Withdraw its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation;
• apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2303003 for Application of AT&T California for Relief from its Carrier of Last Resort Obligation.

The CPUC will be holding virtual public forums regarding AT&T's applications on Tuesday, March 19th at 2 PM and 6 PM.

Staff will continue to monitor this situation; you may also subscribe to this proceeding to get updates on its progress.

Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle

The Brisbane Police Department wanted to remind the community about a few items when reporting abandoned vehicles. In addition to providing as much information as you can on the said vehicle (i.e. location, license plate, and/or color and make of the vehicle), please note:

• You can report an abandoned vehicle anonymously using the Police Department's Non-Emergency webform: Non-Emergency Police Request
• You can report an abandoned vehicle by leaving a message on the Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line: (415) 347-2070
• You can report Cars Parked Over 72 Hours using the My Brisbane app or the Service Request Form found on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/contact
• If you call the Police Dispatch Line 415-467-1212 to report an abandoned vehicle, you can request to the dispatcher that you’d like to remain anonymous. And know that even if you do choose to provide your name and contact information to dispatch, that information is never revealed to anyone and will be kept confidential.

The same is true for the previous reporting methods; the Police Department strives to work in partnership with the community to provide a highly effective and responsive police service, which protects individual rights, respects community values, and enhances professional ethics. Thank you for always helping to be their eyes and ears, Brisbane!

Call for Volunteers at February 20th BBCAG Meeting

The Brisbane Baylands Community Advisory Group (BBCAG) first met in the Spring of 2005 after local citizen Dana Dillworth petitioned the State, through its Dept of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), for the formation of an advisory group. Their next meeting on February 20th at 6 PM is a hybrid meeting, taking place at City Hall and online via Zoom; the BBCAG hopes that you'll join them to get involved in learning more about property owner Brisbane Development Inc.’s (BDI) draft Baylands Specific Plan and the regulatory agencies overseeing its remediation.

Rain Continues Until Thursday, Potential Major Storm Ahead Saturday - Tuesday

The systems over the weekend have the potential to cause minor to moderate flooding and downed tree branches. At this time, these systems do *not* appear to be as strong as those experienced earlier this month. Sandbags are available at City Hall intended for Brisbane residents only, 10 bag limit. Thank you and stay safe! Click here for the latest forecast updates.

Cal OES is forecasting for there to be a 35% chance of a "historically strong" El Niño this winter that rivals 2015-16 and 1997-98. Note: a strong El Niño does not necessarily equate to strong El Niño impacts locally, but it does increase the odds. Cal OES is advising residents to check their insurance policies now for coverage types. The Department of Insurance is available to help answer any questions; visit insurance.ca.gov or call 1-800-927-4357.

Many people may not be aware that homeowners’, renters’, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudslide, debris flow, and other similar disasters. However, they CAN cover water damage from wind-driven rain that occurs during a storm and damage from fallen trees. Comprehensive vehicle insurance can also cover flood damage and other winter storm damage. The Department has resources and guides online for help with filing a claim.

North County Fire Authority's Latest Safety Tip

Trash Talk: Sorting Valentine’s Day Waste

Q: What Valentine’s Day related items are allowed inside a green cart?

A: Ozzy the Organics Cart loves dead flowers and rejected candy. He doesn’t like plastic or foil wrappers, ribbons or bows, or glitter; those items cannot be composted and belong in the grey garbage cart.

Q: What should I do with the Valentine cards my family received?

A: Cards that are made entirely from paper can be recycled (under the lighter colored lid of a residential recycling cart). Cards with glitter, foil, plastic or other adornments belong in the grey garbage cart.

Q: Can I compost or recycle candy wrappers?

A: Most wrappers are plastic and belong in the grey garbage cart but there are exceptions. Boxes, like those filled with chocolates or conversation hearts, can be recycled with paper when empty and free from food residue. Foil wrappers, like used for chocolate hearts and kisses, are recyclable with containers (under the darker colored lid of a residential recycling cart). Please ball together multiple pieces of foil before recycling.

Special 15% Off "Love Brisbane" Collection on Betsy!

Treat that special someone in your life with something from Betsy’s “LOVE BRISBANE” collection! 15% off on certain items now! Order soon at brisbaneca.org/betsy to ensure they feel the love by Valentine’s Day!

45 or Older? Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey!

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.

English Conversation Club Thursday Evenings at the Library!