The Blast City Manager Dennis' Weekly Update | July 16, 2025

Thanks to those who joined Mayor Lentz and me for joint office hours at the farmers' market last week. We were only there for 1.5 hours, but got to hear from a couple dozen that stopped to talk, and about the same who waved as they walked by because they were in full shopping mode! Watch the City calendar to see the time/place for the Mayor's August office hours; it will also be announced via the signboards and the August STAR. In the meantime, enjoy the Concerts in the Park, with this week's being DJ Sharon, and sponsored by the Brisbane Lions Club.

Video: Emergency Hi-Lo Siren

We wanted to provide our community with an example of the evacuation siren that will be played in the event of a mandatory evacuation. It’s also referred to as the Hi-Lo siren. If you hear this siren, please evacuate and look for guidance from your local public safety officials.

So remember, when you hear Hi-Lo, it’s time to go!

To report an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call the 24/7 Dispatch number at (415) 467-1212. The Brisbane Police Department also has an Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 347-2070 and a webform at brisbaneca.org/tipline.

July 17th City Council Meeting Agenda Items of Note

The City Council has a fairly packed agenda this coming Thursday, July 17, as it's the final meeting before their customary summer recess; their regular meetings will start up again after Labor Day. Here are a few items of note on the evening's agenda:

  • Authorize staff to release a Request for Proposals to lease or manage the Visitacion Garden Senior Housing Development - staff report
  • Acquisition of five properties in the Brisbane Acres for purposes of open space and habitat conservation - staff report
  • Review of Residential Parking Permit Program on Thomas Ave. and request City Council direction - staff report
  • Receive the Complete Streets Safety Committee's recommended safety, traffic flow, and parking improvements to Visitacion Avenue and provide direction to staff on their Implementation - staff report

The meeting starts at 6:30 PM at City Hall. You may also join remotely via brisbaneca.org/cc-zoom.

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City Council to Recognize Deputy Public Works Director Karen Kinser

The City is preparing to bid farewell to Deputy Public Works Director Karen Kinser, who is retiring after a distinguished 31-year career!

Nearly 16 years ago to the day, July 21, 2009, this picture was taken; one of Karen's projects was the Tunnel Ave. Bridge Replacement Project, which she successfully managed.

The City Council will be presenting a Proclamation to Karen at the start of their meeting (see Awards and Presentations), and will also be hosting a small reception for her ahead of the meeting at 6 PM. You're invited to join us at City Hall to celebrate Karen's achievements and wish her a well-deserved retirement! Karen's official last day with the City will be August 22, 2025 (this may be her final City Council meeting, but she's still got one more Open Space and Ecology Committee and Complete Streets Safety Committee meeting to go)!

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Report a Highway Issue/Problem Using Caltrans' Customer Service Request Form

Have you ever driven on the U.S. 101 or noticed something on an off-ramp that you wanted to alert someone to? In most cases, that someone is Caltrans, who manages our local highways and state routes. You can submit a Customer Service Request (CSR) at csr.dot.ca.gov. You can allow Caltrans to see your location when filling out the form, or you can map the location of concern. They even have what's referred to as PACE - their Public Affairs Customer Engagement site, which provides a regularly updated breakdown of services requested and rendered across the district (Brisbane is located in Caltrans District 4).

One more useful link is Caltrans' QuickMap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov, which shows traffic backups in real-time (get the Caltrans Mobile QuickMap here). You can also call their Road Information line, 1-800-427-7623. It's always good to know before you go!

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Deadline Extended: Regional Community Advisory Council

Do you or someone you know care deeply about transportation, housing, and the environment as they relate to the future of the Bay Area? The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are now accepting applications for the Community Advisory Council - and they are looking for passionate community members to get involved! Apply by August 3, 2025.

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New Face at the Marina: Welcome, Natalia!

In case you missed it in the July issue of the Brisbane Marina Newsletter, Harbormaster Rehberg introduced their newest team member, Natalia Hernandez, who had her first day on the job this past Monday, July 14. She joins the Marina as their Admin. Assistant, and will be the face of the Marina in many regards! Please stop in the Marina Office and feel free to introduce yourself to her the next time you're in the area.

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Cave Adventures with CaveSim in the Park, July 21st

As part of Park and Recreation Month, the Library and Park and Rec Team are teaming up to bring the community together for a truly one-of -a-kind experience, CaveSim, and it'll be set up right here in Brisbane!

View a larger image of the flyer here on our website.

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Community Build & S'mores in the Park Next Thursday, July 24th!

Rounding out the month will be a fun celebration and a special sweet treat over the firepits. Don't miss it!

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Apply for the Youth Advisory Committee by August 19th

Brisbane's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is comprised of dedicated, enthusiastic, and motivated 7th-12th graders, with YAC applications now being accepted! The deadline to apply is Monday, August 18th. APPLY HERE!

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Fall Soccer is Starting; Register by July 31st

Brisbane AYSO’s season kicks off in late August and wraps up in early November; 6U registration is open until July 31st, as well as a few other divisions that still have openings, so hurry and sign up at brisbanesoccer.org!

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Hot Topic: Charcoal and Ash Disposal - Grill Responsibly!

Got an empty charcoal bag? They’re lined with plastic and belong in the garbage too!

Your efforts to sort waste correctly and dispose of it safely make a difference and are appreciated! Please email any questions to info@ssfscavenger.com.

Relatedly, below is a reminder from North County Fire Authority that bears repeating:

Fore additional fire safety tips, please see NCFA's latest Emergency Preparedness Newsletter.

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This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; if it was forwarded to you or you saw it on social media and would like to subscribe, sign up here. Find all of our subscription lists at brisbaneca.org/subscribe, latest news at brisbaneca.org/news, and upcoming meetings, Council Subcommittee meetings, and events at brisbaneca.org/meetings. As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts on the Blast. Thanks for reading and staying engaged!