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September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Happens Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month. This year’s Recovery Happens Month theme is “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” and the theme for this year's Suicide Prevention Month is “Share Hope Together.” Sharing is a powerful tool to tell stories and share resources, knowledge, and experiences in order to prevent suicide and to protect our loved ones. Whether you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are concerned about a loved one who might be, you are not alone. The San Mateo County community stands together to support those who are struggling and guide them to the help they need.
Since its rollout last July, 9-8-8 is the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). If one dials, texts, or chats to 9-8-8, a person is connected with trained counselors for free and confidential support, as well as providing crisis counseling for those in emotional distress. 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States of America. The previous Crisis Lifeline 10 digit number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to call or text.
San Mateo County Health is providing events (both in-person & virtual events) for Suicide Prevention Month for all September, including Be Sensitive Be Brave Training starting September 11 (happening multiple days throughout September), the Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfaston September 12, the screening of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" on September 15, and What I Wish My Parents Knew, from a Chinese American Youth Perspective (this event will feature high school youth speakers who will provide parents with knowledge and skills around mental health) on September 16. More events for Suicide Prevention Month can be found on San Mateo County Health's page. And remember, for immediate help, you can reach out for 24/7 free confidential crisis support:
- Call the San Mateo County Crisis Line (run by Starvista) at 1-650-579-0350 or visit sanmateocrisis.org
- Text “BAY” to 741741
- National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Every September as well, National Recovery Month is a national observance to promote and support new treatment and recovery practices by increasing public awareness about mental health and addiction recovery. National Recovery Month aims to share information and resources to get everyone the right help. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, has recorded a video message for Recovery Month.
For the month of September, City Hall will be lit up in purple to recognize both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month. Proclamations for both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month will be presented at the September 7, 2023 City Council Meeting at City Hall. Join in-person at 50 Park Place or on Zoom, or watch the livestream on Comcast Ch. 27 or the City's YouTube channel.
Concrete Swale on Kings Completed
Yesterday, contractors installed a reinforced concrete drainage swale across Kings (near Margaret). The steel plates will be removed by end of day tomorrow (Thursday, 9/7). Thanks for the residents' patience as this work was completed all within a day!
San Bruno Mtn. Ridge Trail Work by SMC Parks
San Mateo County Parks have contracted to have some vegetation management work on the Ridge Trail on San Bruno Mountain starting next Monday & Tuesday, September 11th & 12th. Cal Fire has been notified. The contractor, GoNative, will have water and some fire protection equipment on site.
Reminder: Heads Up on the Helicopter
Michels Pacific Energy will be performing maintenance work at various PG&E locations in the City of Brisbane starting today, September 6th through Monday, September 11th. The area of work is located around the San Bruno Mountain area. They will be flying between the hours of 8am–3pm.
Dog Park Closure Week of September 25
City Hall in the Palm of your Hand
With the My Brisbane mobile app, you can submit service requests with just a few taps on your phone. To get started, simply download the My Brisbane app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you've opened the app, select the "Start Request" button. From there, you can choose the type of request you want to submit, whether it has to do with city street trees, the Marina, or water or sewer leaks. You'll then be prompted to take a photo of the issue and provide a brief description. You can also use the app to track the status of your request and receive updates on when it will be addressed. So why wait? Download the My Brisbane app today and start reporting issues with ease. Note: no smartphone? No problem. My Brisbane can also be accessed via a webform on the City's website at brisbaneca.org/contact.
Read The September 2023 STAR
Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open!
Fall Registration for Brisbane residents and non residents are now open.
Help Those Affected by the Maui Wildfires
The fires have been extinguished, but the challenges for Maui and its people are significant. The City of Brisbane is committed to assisting Maui's recovery by sharing relief funds directly with local non-profits, local leaders of Maui and Hawaii, and Maui community members. We strongly encourage our residents to contribute and offer their assistance in any way possible.
Additionally, for those who are employed, we recommend checking with your employer to inquire about the possibility of matching funds. Employer matching can significantly amplify the impact of individual donations, making it an excellent way to further support Maui's recovery efforts. Please see brisbaneca.org/maui for more information on 8 Maui wildfire relief efforts you can help support. The list ranges from the Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund to Maui United Way to the Maui Humane Society.
Brisbane Dance Workshop Registration Now Open for Dance & Theater Classes for Preschool - Adults
Do you have a preschool, elementary, or middle school age youngster who is ready to spread their creative wings and dive into the wonderful world of dance and theater? Brisbane Dance Workshop is now open for registrations to both new and returning students.
Session 1 classes begin on Monday, September 11. Please visit BDW's website for details and send any questions to brisbanedanceworkshop@gmail.com.
Day in the Park Call for Vendors - Applications Due Friday, September 8
The next big event in the park is Day in the Park, happening this year on Saturday, October 7th (it's always the first Saturday in October).
Vendor applications are now being accepted and are due Friday, September 8th, no exceptions. The event will be hosted in Brisbane at the Community Park. This event is family-friendly, with free admission and free parking. Vendor applications can be found here. For more information or with questions pertaining to the event, please email Ricardo directly at rmonroy@brisbaneca.org.
Now's the time to also register for the Brisbane Derby and reserve an official Brisbane Derby Car Kit! Park and Rec will begin hosting Derby Car Building Workshops starting this Sunday, Sept. 10th. More will occur on the 17th and 24th. These workshops are now being taught by Park & Rec; previously, they had been long taught by the late "Dan Can Do" Sorrentino. Please make sure you're registered and pick up your car kits prior to the workshop you plan to attend!
Pancake Breakfast with Mission Blue Nursery & San Bruno Mtn. Watch is September 10
The Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser will be held outdoors at Mission Blue Nursery at the base of San Bruno Mountain. Mission Blue Nursery will be open and selling native plants at the event from 9am-2pm.
Collective Camp Yoga - September Offerings
Pickleball Wednesdays
Through October 25th on Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm, there will be designated Pickleball time at Mission Blue Tennis Courts. FREE. Staff will be placing temporary pickleball lines on the courts. During this time, pickleball can be played on the courts on a first come, first serve basis. No additional supplies or instruction will be provided. Parks and Rec looks forward to testing this out and appreciates the community in advance for their participation and cooperation. Email Ricardo Monroy for any questions.
C/CAG's Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan - Help Identify Where Traffic Safety is a Concern
The City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County is conducting a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) to help get funding for important roadway improvements across the County. To inform the LRSP, C/CAG is seeking input to identify corridors, intersections, and other locations where traffic safety is a significant concern.
Use this mapping tool to input your comments by September 30th. Thank you for helping make San Mateo County safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. For more information about the project, visit ccag.ca.gov/countywide-local-roadway-safety-plan.
New Caltrain Promotional Fares
Caltrain announced a range of new promotional fares will be available to customers starting September 1st, each designed to give riders more options and even greater value and strong incentives when they choose to travel on Caltrain.
Caltrain will offer the following promos:
- 50% Off Parking: All parking prices reduced by 50% throughout the corridor.
- $1 Youth Pass: An incredible offer for our younger riders, this pass provides one-way rides for just one dollar.
- Three Day Pass: Tailored to the needs of hybrid commuters, this pass offers unlimited rides for three consecutive days from the day of purchase.
- Family Day Pass: For the cost of two adult fares and one youth fare, this pass allows two adults and up to four youths (18 and under) to ride together. Please note: all travelers using this pass must remain in the same train car.
- Group Day Pass: Designed with group travel in mind, this pass offers groups of four to six individuals a 15% discount off the cost of four tickets. All travelers must be in the same fare class (Adult, Youth, Eligible Discount) and share the same train car.
These new offerings will not only enhance the value of Caltrain's service but also highlight its commitment to making travel more accessible and affordable for a diverse range of passengers.
Community Outreach Grant Opportunity for Nonprofits- Peninsula Clean Energy
Peninsula Clean Energy invites applications for grants up to $45,000 to collaborate on outreach to residents in San Mateo County or in the City of Los Banos. All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or their fiscally sponsored projects with an established track record of public outreach, communications, providing social services, or case management in San Mateo County or the City of Los Banos are eligible and encouraged to apply. The application deadline is October 6, 2023.
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:
County Elections Division Seeks Vote Center Staff
The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division is seeking seasonal Vote Center Trainers to assist in the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Duties include training on San Mateo County elections procedures, how to use Vote Center equipment, Vote Center set-up, and voter assistance. Vote Center Training is tentatively expected to begin Jan. 3, 2024. Those hired can expect to work for approximately nine weeks including on-site job training, teaching classes, and working in the Elections Division office. Apply today!
Apply to be a Youth Climate Ambassador by September 15
San Mateo County’s Youth Climate Ambassador Program has opened applications for the next cohort of this 7-month program (October 2023 - April 2024). All ninth through 12th-grade students who live in San Mateo County are eligible to apply. Participants build their knowledge of climate change, explore various climate solutions, and develop a final project to create positive, environmental change within their school or local community. Applications are open now and close at midnight on Friday, Sept. 15. Learn more and apply.
Wildfire Safety Tips from North County Fire Authority
North County Fire Authority's CERT Interest Form
Following a major disaster, police, fire, and medical professionals may not be able to fully meet the demand to respond to emergencies. People will have to rely on each other to provide immediate assistance and life-saving and sustaining needs. Through CERT training, cities provide information to its residents about how to prepare and handle disasters and reduce the risk of dangers inside and outside of their homes. Equip yourself, your family, and community with life saving skills for potential severe emergencies and disasters. Fill out an interest form through the North County Fire Authority website to attend local CERT classes.
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 (every 4th Thursday of the month, alternating between Cleaning refills and Personal Care refills)
CA Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 is Saturday, September 23
Join the City of Brisbane Open Space and Ecology Committee and Parks and Recreation for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Brisbane Marina. They will set up in the North Parking Lot, near the public fishing pier and Dock 6.
Please bring your own water bottle and dress for the weather, including sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers. Supplies including trash/recycle bags, gloves, and a limited number of pickers will be provided; consider bringing your own buckets, gloves, and pickers if you have them. Volunteers will receive free tees and sandwiches for their efforts, along with the great feeling of being part of one of the largest volunteer events and helping to keep our coast and Bay clean!
SPYC Regatta Day is September 23
September 23rd is a good day to be hanging out at the Brisbane Marina!
Please join the Sierra Point Yacht Club on Saturday, September 23rd from 12pm-5pm for the 2nd annual Sierra Point Yacht Club Regatta Day at the Brisbane Marina (500 Sierra Point Parkway). Free admission includes live music, featuring San Francisco’s El Guajiro and Brisbane’s own Lee Velinsky Trio, as well as a variety of fun games. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Back by popular demand: the Float-a-Boat building challenge. How many marbles can your makeshift “yacht” take? All cheer for the last one floating! New this year: the Tournament of Dinghies. Teams of 2 race rowing dinghies inside the marina. Dinghies and life jackets provided. Pre-register your team by emailing Brian Hudon at Vice_Commodore@sierrapointyc.org (and bring a towel and change of clothes just in case).
Save the Date: Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon is Saturday, Oct. 7
Coming back for its fifth year on Saturday, October 7th (yes, it's the same day as the Day in the Park) is the Star City San Bruno Half Marathon!
A portion of the registration fee ($90, if registered before 9/16) will go straight toward the Brisbane Lions Club, specifically the Lions' Scholarship Fund. Registration and more information can be found at starcityhalfmarathon.wordpress.com.
COVID Community Updates
COVID-19 variant EG.5 is the dominant variant in the United States, followed by the FL.1.5.1 variant. Over the past month, hospitalizations jumped by 80% in California, rising from a daily average of 186 to 336. An updated booster is currently being developed targeting EG.5; it's scheduled to be available in pharmacies starting September 13th.
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:
Everyone ages 65+ and certain immunocompromised people are now eligible for an additional bivalent dose, with appointments now readily available. Find an appointment near you.
Visit covid.gov/tests to order tests for your household. Because the public health emergency ended, coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. At-home test kits may be directly ordered from healthcare providers, including Medi-Cal patients, Kaiser, Aetna, Blue Shield, etc. If you're uninsured, there’s a stockpile of free tests; use this search tool to find a location. Note: expiration ranges from 6 months - 2 years, depending on the brand. The date on the box may be incorrect, as the FDA later extended dates. Here is an updated list to see if it’s still good.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Archived Meeting Videos
~ None from this past week ~
Did You Know?
There have been 128 sales on Brisbane's new official shop on Etsy, otherwise known as "Betsy." Here, you can find apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and including youth and kids/toddlers sizes), stickers/pins, cups/mugs, tote bags, and more, and in all different colors! Thank you to those who have supported and placed orders; don't forget to leave us a review on Etsy!
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, September 13th, 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!