The Blast Interim CM Holstine's Weekly Update | May 8, 2024

Lighting Up Green for Mental Health Awareness Month

We have joined other cities in San Mateo County to light up city buildings with lime green to show residents that they are not alone in facing mental health and substance use challenges. City Hall's lights will be lime green between May 1st - May 31st in recognition of Mental Health Month. The County also made available a lime green 3' x 5' flag which Public Works helped to raise up at City Hall earlier today.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is “Heal Through Connection.” To promote engagement across audiences in California, the County is asking Californians to:

• LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
• ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
• ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.

An opportunity to do this is just around the corner. Join Parks and Recreation staff for a Walk for Awareness on Saturday, May 11th from 10 - 11 AM. Meet at Quarry Rd. (at the entrance to the trail at 9:45 AM).

See more activities happening during the month of May for Mental Health Month on the City's website.

The County's Office of Diversity and Equity also have a variety of free events taking place over the course of the month (virtual and in-person events), which span all age groups. Join them in raising awareness and talking openly in order to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

The Brisbane Library is hosting two events for Mental Health Month:

• Friday, May 15 at 3:30 PM - Make Your Own Wellness Kit - Students can personalize their own wellness kit by decorating a pencil pouch and choosing items to help them find ease throughout the day.
• Thursday, May 23 at 11:30 AM - Soul Soup with Amber Hines - Soul Soup combines interactive performance and relational education through music. Traditional and contemporary music are blended with voice and live drum accompaniment that uplifts, builds social-emotional literacy, and creates community for all ages.

And remember, you're not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988 and StarVista's Crisis Hotline is 650-579-0350.

Wildfire Awareness Event in the Park, May 11th

Another opportunity to connect with fellow community members and public safety personnel will also be taking place this Saturday, May 11th, in the Community Park. The Lions are also offering a no-host BBQ, so come hungry to learn more about wildfire preparedness strategies! The City will also have a booth with staff ready to sign residents up for SMC Alert.

At last Thursday's City Council Meeting, Safety Inspector Clyde Preston was on-hand to receive two Proclamations from Mayor Terry O'Connell on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, one for proclaiming May 2024 as Wildfire Awareness Month and the other for proclaiming May 19-25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week.

Special Recognitions in May

May is a big month for professional recognitions and cultural celebrations. In addition to what's been spoken about so far, it's also Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10), Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11), Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 5-11), National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10), National Nurses Week (May 6-12), National Fentanyl Awareness Day (5/9), and National Public Works Week (May 19-25). There are probably others, but these are what we are aware of (some thanks to community members who let us know over the years).

The City's IDEA Committee is always available to hear residents' comments. They can be reached at idea@brisbaneca.org or by joining their meetings, every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. Their next meeting is May 15, 2024. Right now, they're working off of the following Notable Dates & Celebrations to inform any postings on the City's social media sites and/or on the City's website and signboards.

Open Seats on City Committees: Apply by 6/5/24

The City of Brisbane is currently still recruiting community members interested in serving on the Complete Streets Safety Committee, Open Space and Ecology Committee, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability (IDEA) Committee, and the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District. The new deadline to apply is 5 PM on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and the applications are available at brisbaneca.org/open-seats or by contacting the City Clerk at (415) 508-2113 or at cityclerk@brisbaneca.org.

Apply now for the following Council Commission and Committee seats (click on the links for more information):

• Complete Streets Safety Committee (1 seat for a one year term until 2025, and up to 2 seats for a four-year term until 2028)
• Open Space & Ecology Committee (1 seat for a two-year term until 2026)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Committee* (3 seats for two-year terms until 2026)
• San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District (1 four-year term ending in 2028)

(*Note: Brisbane residents, as well as those who work but don't live in town, are welcome to apply for the IDEA Committee)

To apply for any of these positions and to have an opportunity to make a contribution to your community, fill out the application form available on brisbaneca.org/open-seats and return it to the City Clerk’s Office via email at cityclerk@brisbaneca.org or by mail to Attention: City Clerk, 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005.

Applications must be received no later than 5 PM on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Apply at brisbaneca.org/open-seats. There is no compensation for these positions. An electronic copy of the application is acceptable to meet the deadline.

Welcoming Jeremy Dennis to City Hall

Today I had the pleasure of welcoming Jeremy to City Hall for an all-hands meeting with City staff. Over the course of the next 1.5 months, he'll be meeting with staff and learning more about them and the work they do for the community.

Paid Interns Wanted in the City of Stars

Are you ready to make a difference and learn from the best in the field? Apply now for a chance to be part of our dynamic team. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the inner workings of your community and make meaningful contributions. Apply today at brisbaneca.org/jobs.

Public Tree Inventory Getting Completed

A reminder that an arborist from PlanIT Geo is back in town to wrap up their inventory of our public trees. If you notice someone out and about taking measurements, don’t worry – it’s all part of the plan! They’ll be continuing their work through Thursday, May 16th. This initiative is made possible by the Open Space and Ecology Committee’s budget, aiming to provide us with a comprehensive assessment of the trees on City property.

Read the May STAR

Mother's Day 15% Off Sale on BETSY

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the gift of Brisbane merch! Use code MOMDAY to get 15% OFF now at checkout until May 23rd! Brisbane’s Etsy aka Betsy, has all your essential Brisbane merch including the hats, t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, license plate frames, and more. Make sure to order your Brisbane merch at brisbaneca.org/betsy to ensure that it will get here by Mother’s Day!

The Brisbane Chamber & The Brisbane Lions Club Present: A Night in Little Reno

Calling all fun-seekers! The Brisbane Chamber of Commerce and Brisbane Lions Club are throwing a bash you won't want to miss: A Night in Little Reno!

Did you know Brisbane once had a reputation as a hotbed of excitement? In the 1930s, bus drivers nicknamed our city "Little Reno" thanks to our lively gambling scene. Join the Chamber and the Lions on Saturday, June 22nd at 6 PM at the Mission Blue Center (475 Mission Blue Dr) for a night that pays homage to Brisbane's wild past! Here's what awaits you at this unforgettable evening:

• Games (For Fun Only!): Channel your inner high roller with classic casino games. *Remember, this night is all about friendly competition – bragging rights are the only prize!
• Music & Dancing: Get ready to swing the night away with music that'll have you movin' and shakin'.
• Heavy Appetizers & Craft Cocktails: Fuel up for a night of fun with delicious appetizers and specialty cocktails.
• Supporting a Great Cause: Proceeds from the event will benefit the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce & their Scholarship Program and the Brisbane Lions Club Scholarship Program

Mark your calendars!

• Date: Saturday, June 22nd
• Time: 6 PM onwards
• Location: Mission Blue Center, 475 Mission Blue Drive
• Age Requirement: 21+

Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic (and fun!) night! Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours today at brisbanechamber.org/littlereno.

Thursday, May 16 is Bike to Work Day!

The City's Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting an Energizer Station at Lagoon & Tunnel. They'll have Bike to Work Day bags ready to hand out along with water and snacks for those that pass through!

Remember to log your rides all month long towards the Bay Area Bike Challenge: 30,000 miles for the 30th Anniversary of Bike to Work Day.

Last Spring Play Gym Offering, May 11

Play Gym 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, this is your last chance before they start back up again in the Fall.

Come join this final Spring Play Gym and create lasting memories with your little one!

Healthy Air, Healthy Home: Thursday, May 16

Clean air never tasted so good! Celebrate Clean Air Month with an informative & tasty presentation on how to improve your air quality and health.

• A doctor will point out unexpected sources of pollution in the home linked to asthma and other diseases.
• A chef will prepare a delicious plant-based dessert for all on a zero-emission induction stove!
• A rep from PCE and an energy coach will identify rebates and interest-free loans to replace polluting gas appliances and cars with zero-emission electric ones.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn how to improve your family’s air quality and health! Sponsored by Peninsula Clean Energy and local nonprofits. This event will be at The Firehouse at 1227 Danmann Ave in Pacifica on Thursday, May 16th at 7 PM. Space is limited - save your seat today!

Celebrate San Bruno Mountain with San Mateo County Parks, May 11 & 18

Join San Mateo County Parks’ celebration of San Bruno Mountain State and County Park in Brisbane through a series of activities on consecutive Saturdays, May 11 and 18. Staff from County Parks and San Bruno Mountain Watch will lead nature journaling walks, trail hikes, a butterfly story walk and a volunteer activity in the park’s botanical garden. All events begin at 9 AM and are free. Check out all the offerings here. To avoid paying the $6 vehicle entry fee, bring confirmation of your event registration (i.e. on your smart phone or as a printout) to show rangers at the gatehouse upon entering the park. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. For any questions, please contact Sam Herzberg at sherzberg@smcgov.org.

Consider signing up for activities taking place on the 18th if you can so you don't miss the Walk for Awareness and the Wildfire Awareness Event!

San Mateo County Transit District Multilingual Virtual Community Meeting, May 15

The San Mateo County Transit District is hosting a multilingual virtual community meeting to gather public feedback on elements of the District's draft Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 10 years and includes the District’s mission, vision, goals, core values, as well as a series of action items that the District could undertake. It will guide SamTrans bus service and infrastructure and the District’s role as a managing agency, but will not provide policy direction for Caltrain, the Transportation Authority, or Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority.

Multilingual Virtual Community Meeting:

• Wednesday, May 15
• 5:30 - 6:30 PM
• Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84918868277
• Call-in Option: +1 669 900 6833

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact DistrictStrategicPlan@samtrans.com.

BDW Presents: 'Down the Rabbit Hole' May 18th & 19th

Join Brisbane Dance Workshop's Annual Spring Performance & Gala at Mission Blue Center on May 18th & 19th. Please note: purchase of Gala tix really helps support BDW and makes a BIG difference in their budget. If you're able to, please purchase Gala tix. Tickets can be purchased online at brisbanedanceworkshop.org.

HEART/Meriwest First Time Homebuyer Workshop in Daly City, May 15

First time homebuyers in San Mateo County can buy a home with 5% down and no PMI with HEART and Meriwest Mortgage. Max purchase price up to $1,213,500 for qualified borrowers. Find out how at their FREE First Time Homebuyer Workshop, taking place in the Daly City Council Chambers, 2nd fl. (333 90th Ave.) on Wednesday, May 15th from 6 - 7 PM. Register here.

Silverspot Fundraiser: Trike A Thon, May 17th

Silverspot is a parent-run, non-profit Cooperative Nursery School working to create a community of encouragement and learning for families. Their mission is to provide a positive, safe and healthy environment in which children learn through a play-based curriculum. Their upcoming fundraiser falls in line with just that!

Fall Soccer for Kids 4-13

Registration for AYSO fall soccer in Brisbane is now open and is filling up quickly! AYSO soccer is a fun, exciting program whose main goal is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play the game. No previous soccer experience is needed - the focus is on developing players and cultivating good sportsmanship at all ages.

Brisbane AYSO soccer welcomes participants from Brisbane and surrounding areas, and offers generous scholarships for families in need. Cost for the season is $110 and includes a player uniform. Email brisbaneayso@gmail.com for more information.

Embodying Shakespeare at the Brisbane Library, June 1

The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will be presenting a hands-on workshop at the Brisbane Library on Saturday, June 1st from 11 AM - noon that brings the world of Shakespeare and acting to life! Participants will deepen their understanding of their bodies’ nuances and patterns, and explore emotional response and the relationship between movement and stillness, increasing self-awareness and self-expression through exploring non-verbal communication. Limited to 10 students, so sign up through this link.

Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7 PM

• Mountain Fresh
• Villanueva Fruits​
• James Healey Confections
• Mango Blossom Apiary
• California Bakeshop
• Hummus Heaven
• Medina Berry Farms
• Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
• Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
• Roadside Rotisserie

Thank you to Suzan Bakalova for organizing last week's e-waste collection event in partnership with GreenCitizen and the Brisbane Farmers' Market. There was quite the pallet-full behind the Brisbane Hardware Store for Friday's pick-up from GreenCitizen. Thank you, Suzan, for organizing such a successful second annual event for Brisbane residents!