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Brisbane Wins a Voice of the People Award for Excellence in Housing/Planning
The Voice of the People Awards honor local governments that best engage residents and include public opinion in community decisions. This is the 15th year of the awards, presented by Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
Hearing from our residents when planning for housing needs in the City of Brisbane was paramount when our 2023-2031 Housing Element Update process got underway in early 2022. The community’s input helped guide the development of the City’s Housing Element Update, and Brisbane’s revised Element ended up being the second in all of the County to be certified and found compliant with State Housing Element Law.
Congratulations to our Community Development Department for their efforts and for this recognition! See the full press release on the City's website.
Your Feedback on Proposed Dark Skies Ordinance Needed by October 15
Brisbane's Open Space and Ecology Committee has been working with Sustainability and Planning staff for over a year to develop a proposed Dark Skies Ordinance that would help protect the nocturnal environment as well as community health and enjoyment of the night sky through reasonable limits on outdoor lighting. The community's feedback at this juncture is critical to both the success and completion of the project. Thank you for providing your opinions and feedback regarding potential sections of the ordinance by Sunday, October 15th! Note: This survey is anonymous. Thank you for your feedback!
In addition, drop by OSEC's booth at Day in the Park on Saturday and share your favorite dark skies memory with them!
Monday's Ribbon-Cutting for New Solar PV System
Thank you to those who joined us in person or via Facebook Live at Monday's ribbon-cutting event at Mission Blue Center to spotlight Clean Air Day, which happens to be today (we just celebrated early)!
Mission Blue is actually the first government facility that Peninsula Clean Energy was able to officially recognize with a ribbon-cutting for participation in GovPV, a program of theirs to install solar panels on government facilities. The 8.5 kW system was installed on the rooftop of Mission Blue Center, which is a critical emergency shelter for Brisbane.
Special thanks to Sustainability Manager Adrienne Etherton for overseeing this project, as well as the installation of 10 Level 2 EV chargers at the site. Stay tuned for a ribbon-cutting recap video from Peninsula Clean Energy next week!
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.)
Congratulations to Summer Learning Challenge Scholarship Winner, Oliver Manyak-Pritsker
Oliver Manyak-Pritsker is the Brisbane Library's Summer Learning Challenge Scholarship Winner. This proud fourth grader was all smiles, knowing that his time spent reading this summer (graphic novel American Born Chinese is one he recalled especially enjoying) paid off...in the form of a $1,000 college scholarship. Congratulations, Oliver! Information for next year's Challenge will be released on June 1st.
Be sure to stop by San Mateo County Libraries' booth at Day in the Park, where they're going to be bringing the Makermobile to the Park! They'll have 3D printers, Sphero robots, and screen printing, as well as staff to facilitate those activities.
Alert! Alert!
This morning, FEMA conducted a national test of their Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The EAS portion of the test sent an emergency alert to all radios and televisions, while the WEA portion of the test directed alerts to all consumer cell phones. Sent around 11:20am, these tests were done to ensure FEMA's systems can "effectively warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on a national level." At the local level, in San Mateo County, we have what's known as SMC Alert. Once you're signed up for SMC Alert, you will start receiving messages (choose from emails/texts/ and/or voice messages) from the City and cities you want to receive alerts from. Maybe you or your family members attend school or work elsewhere than in Brisbane. SIGN UP FOR FREE at smcalert.info so you can be contacted during the next urgent or emergency situation.
Get Prepared with the Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program
The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) is encouraging residents in earthquake-prone areas to make sure their homes are protected – especially if they were built prior to 1980.
CRMP’s Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Program provides grants of up to $3,000 to retrofit qualifying pre-1980 homes. Supplemental Grant funding is also available for income-eligible residents (annual income at or below $72,080), which could cover up to 100 percent of the cost!
EBB aims to help homeowners lessen the potential for damage to their houses during an earthquake by "bracing" the crawl space, when necessary, and "bolting" the foundation to the house's frame.
Even though registration won’t open for a few more months, you can find out if you qualify and stay in the know! Use their ZIP Code search to find out if EBB is available in your area (Brisbane is included in the EBB program), and sign up to receive emails with program updates, including when and where our Earthquake Brace + Bolt program will open for registration. Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com TODAY for more information.
North County Fire Authority Safety Tip
A reminder to 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. You'll also get a chance to catch up with the Firefighters at Day in the Park! They'll have the public education trailer and a fire apparatus on-site.
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, including our three newest officers, our Code Enforcement Officer, and Chief of Police, Lisa Macias (in the AM) so be sure to stop by with the family! Speaking of our Chief of Police, Lisa (pictured left) was proud to be in attendance last week at the swearing in ceremony of Lieutenant Diana Villegas (center) at Redwood City PD.
Get Ready for the Most Epic Trail Run, the Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon
An epic trail run awaits those who have signed up for the 5th Annual Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon! Runners (or walkers) will be treated to expansive views from the top of San Bruno Mountain and the good feeling that a portion of their registration fee is being directed straight to the Brisbane Lions' Scholarship Fund. Happening on the morning of the Day in the Park, the food options that await runners (i.e. nachos from the Brisbane Eagles, a shave ice truck, and traditional handmade dim sum by Hongry Kong) in the Park will be perfect for refueling. Registration and more information about the race can be found at starcityhalfmarathon.wordpress.com.
A Few More Tidbits about Day in the Park
The October STAR cover had the map and schedule of Saturday's Day in the Park festival. A couple things have changed since the issue went to print. For instance, the announcement of the 2023 Volunteer of the Year is being delayed to the Festival of Lights on 12/3, and the Youth Volunteer of the Year is being postponed to 1pm on Saturday (something about SATs needing to be taken).
And finally, in last week's Blast, we mentioned that Brisbane is now an Age-Friendly Community, a designation granted by AARP! We thank the Age-Friendly Task Force and all their hard work to get Brisbane to this point. The next step is to hear from the wider community in the form of a survey. The AARP survey will be available at Day in the Park and an electronic link will be sent out in the Blast soon. The responses to the AARP's survey will help inform next steps for the Task Force when they're re-joined by the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence in March or April of next year. Email Nicole Houghton for any questions or how to get involved.
Underwater Pumpkin Patch, October 14
Earlier this week, Parks and Rec staff went to pick up the pumpkins that will be used for next week's Underwater Pumpkin Patch. On the morning of the event, they'll be moved to the pool deck for easy launching, but for now, they can be found hanging out in the lobby of the Community Pool! No need to go to a pumpkin patch for your photos; just head to the Pool!
Senior Trip to the Winchester Mystery House
Also earlier this week, Park and Rec staff accompanied a group of Brisbane Seniors for a tour of the Winchester Mystery House, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Perfect place to visit this time of year!
The Adopt-a-Drain Program is Back!
With approximately 875 catch basins or storm drains in the City, it's a huge help to the Public Works Department when residents (and businesses, too, if they'd like) are able to keep an eye on their nearest storm drain to ensure it's not covered with leaves or anything that would prevent stormwater from draining into it properly.
Winter Clean Up Weekend is Coming Up, Nov. 4-5
Speaking of leaves and things that could block a storm drain, this year's Winter Clean Up Weekend is November 4-5. Start thinking what you can trim or clear in your yard so that when the dumpsters are placed around town late Friday afternoon of the 3rd, you'll be ready to fill them!
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
Brisbane Lions' White Cane Day, 10/6
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.
Crocker Park Trail Resurfacing Ribbon-Cutting, 10/18
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.
Halloween Movie Night at Mission Blue, 10/20
Join us for a free movie night at Mission Blue with the family, featuring The Addams Family (1991).
Save the Date: Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue - Hosted by the Brisbane Chamber, 10/28
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.
Parents Night Out, 10/28
Happening on the same evening as "Moonlight Madness"! How timely. Sign up here!
Howl-O-Ween Costume Party, 10/30
New location this year! Howl-O-Ween will be taking place under the Gazebo at the Community Park on Halloween Eve from 5:30pm-7pm. Get your pet costume-ready, as it's sure to be a fun time again for all. Note: We are still looking for a photographer to support this event, so if you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to Nicole Houghton at (415) 508-2144 or send her an email.
COVID Community Updates
Last week, the federal government once again made 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
Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6:30pm
Did You Know?
There's a second HOWLOWEEN event taking place this year, this one organized by San Mateo County Libraries. They're calling all animal and library lovers to participate in our spooktacular Howloween Pet Costume Contest!
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, October 11th, 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!