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Happy First Day of School to all Brisbane School District Families
We hope that Brisbane School District families had a great first day of the 2023-24 Academic Year! It is undeniably warm out there, so hopefully all our young learners are staying hydrated. Our Parks and Recreation staff were met this afternoon with 115 children enrolled in Club Rec! That's nearly triple the amount of students from just a few years ago when the previous modular only allowed for about 40 afterschool students. Staff is optimistic that with additional space provided by the School District, along with staffing, we'll be able to accommodate all the families on the waitlist. Thank you for your patience!
In the meantime, a reminder that the Brisbane Library will also begin offering Power-Up Afternoons starting in mid-September after school every weekday with the following happening now:
- Maker Exploration Blocks every Tuesday from 3-5pm and Wednesdays 2-4pm
- LEGO Club every Thursday from 3-5pm
A note on the construction at the BES parking lot - the School District let us know that the 3-day delay and those impacted - Preschool and Kindergarten parents - have been notified.
And we couldn't resist...may this year be a successful one for all of our youth!
Last Day to Enter a Submission for Saturday's Garden Show!
Don't wait another second, if you have a drought tolerant plant, sweet preserves, floral arrangement, or even a bloom...enter it now at brisbaneca.org/garden! There are excellent 1st place prizes in store, thanks to the Brisbane Chamber.
Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open!
Fall Registration for Brisbane residents opened yesterday, August 22nd.
Check out Parks & Recreation's Fall '23 Activity Guide to see all the offerings! Non-resident registration begins on Tuesday, September 5th.
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.
Thank you for your generous spirit, Brisbane. By offering our assistance, resources, and compassion, we can play a vital role in helping Maui recover from the devastating fires and emerge, perhaps, even stronger than before.
Thank You, Public Works!
This past week, with tropical storm Hilary battering parts of southern California with heavy rain and catastrophic floods, we were reminded about the winter storms that we experienced here, and the important role Public Works. Yesterday, crews were placing the hydrant on Park Place, which included flushing the line and cleaning up the roadway with the help of the vactor.
EV Fast Charger Coming Soon to City Hall
Construction started today for one DC fast charger, which will have two different connectors so that two cars can be charging simultaneously. Construction will be completed by the end of the week or possibly early next week. Level 2 chargers are also available here at City Hall or at Mission Blue. Please note: only EV's should be parked in these spots; signs were recently posted noting this. Learn about EVs and check out all the available rebates here on Peninsula Clean Energy's website.
Launching...Betsy! Brisbane's Official Online Merch Shop
What started off as an idea by Communications Intern Grace Baldwin to recoup existing costs for the ever-popular Brisbane hats, which we have been giving away for the past two years since the City's 60th Anniversary and Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the Brisbane Library, has become an official online shop on Etsy. Brisbane's Etsy shop, otherwise known as "Betsy", is where 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! ** Special Launch Deal - For the month of August, everyone who shops on Betsy will receive an automatic 15% off! **
Walking Group to San Bruno Mountain Continuing in September
A big thank you to Paul Bouscal for leading a group of 9 up San Bruno Mountain this past Monday. Due to popular demand, there are more dates being added for the Fall: 9/11, 9/25, and 10/16. This event is FREE and intended for participants over 55+. Contact the Park & Rec Department at (415) 508-2140 to sign up.
Filming for the City's Oral History Project Also Continuing
This past week, the upstairs "studio" welcomed Nuggett De Marco, Marc Salmon, and W. Clarke Conway was back today for Day 2 of filming (there will likely be a Day 3). Tomorrow, Judy Pokorny is scheduled to be here!
Welcome, New Brisbane Firefighters!
Station 81 welcomed 4 new Firefighter Trainees! Kai Aquino, Jacob Running, Chris Beeby, and Henry Sigmund are in their second week of the 23-01 Academy. Here they are after finishing up their orientation with HR last Wednesday. We wish Kai, Jacob, Chris, and Henry all the best as they complete the rest of their academy training!
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.
City's Low-Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program
As a reminder, at the April 20, 2023 City Council Meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2023-17, increasing the charges for water and sewer services and setting the discount rate for the City’s Low Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) plan at 25% for all services. The new rates, which cover the increasing cost of service, simplify the former rate structures, and better promote equity among customers, became effective on June 15, 2023 and will be reflected on the August bill (being sent out next week, the week of August 28th).
This August bill captures the June 15th – August 15th billing cycle, and will be sent out the last week of August (due Thursday, October 5, 2023). Learn if you qualify for LIRA at brisbaneca.org/lira or the State’s Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) at csd.ca.gov/waterbill. The State’s LIHWAP Referrals Portal is available at taphelp.org (to begin the application process, please complete and submit the form found on that webpage). Should you have any questions about your bill or the new rates, FAQs are available on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/utility-billing. To speak with a staff member, please reach out to Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 or email her at lferreira@brisbaneca.org.
Day in the Park Call for Vendors!
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.
Collective Camp Yoga - 1st Class Free!
Join Dawn David and The Collective Camp for Yoga. The first class is free!
- Every Wednesday at 6am (outdoor at Community Park)
- Every Thursday at 7:45pm (indoor at Mission Blue Center)
- Every Sunday at 7am (outdoor at Community Park)
Pickleball Wednesdays Start Tonight
Starting August 23rd-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 rmonroy@brisbaneca.org for any questions.
Register for San Mateo County Civics 101 by Monday, 8/28
There is still time to register for the County of San Mateo’s annual Civics 101 Academy! Join San Mateo County for this highly-rated community program in which participants learn from many County leaders about the wide range of services, initiatives, and programs your County government provides. You’ll meet and network with fellow participants The deadline is Aug. 28.
Learn from leaders such as County Executive Mike Callagy and Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine. They'll cover the County’s array of social and health services, ongoing initiatives like sustainability and equity; the elements of our justice system (including a short mock trial); emergency management; boards and commissions; how the money works; library programs, and much more. We’ll also meet and watch a demonstration from a deputy sheriff and his four-legged K-9 partner! There are Q&A sessions after each presentation.
Civics 101 will be held on nine consecutive Wed. evenings from Aug. 30 through Oct. 25. The sessions run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the San Mateo County Regional Operations Center, 501 Winslow St. in Redwood City, at County Government Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments are served. For more info and to register, please visit smcgov.org/ceo/civics-101-academy. Questions? Please email Civics 101 coordinator Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org.
Apply to be a Youth Climate Ambassador
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.
Tell the County Your Needs: Join the Listening Session in Daly City, 8/25
The County of San Mateo yesterday announced a series of listening sessions along with a survey to hear directly from residents about their needs in four key areas. Residents are invited to share their experiences and needs on issues of housing and homelessness, children and families, emergency preparedness, and mental health. Start by taking the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Simplified Chinese.
Heat 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.
Upcoming Events at the Library
End of Summer Wind Down Extravaganza - Tuesday, August 29, 3-5pm
Bullet Journal (BuJo) Workshop With Perfectly Pinay Wednesday, August 30, 2:30pm–3:30pm
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 - Roadside Rotisserie will not be at next week's farmers' market next week (8/31) due to catering a private event. So be sure to stop by tomorrow!
- The Daisy Refillery
It's time for a Farmers' Market Vendor Spotlight! Karen Chaw is the owner and manager of The Daisy Refillery. The Daisy Refillery is a small business (as well as a California Green Business) that sells sustainable household and personal care products, like bamboo toothbrushes and compostable cleaning tools. Customers also have the option to refill their own containers with bulk items like shampoos, detergents, and lotions. All of their products are earth-friendly, human-friendly, and free of single-use plastic. Karen visits the Brisbane Farmers’ Market every 4th Thursday of the month, alternating between Cleaning refills and Personal Care refills (tomorrow she will have Cleaning refills only). Be sure to stop by her booth then…and don’t forget to bring your reusable containers with you when you do!
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.
Save the Date: 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! Register by emailing Sustainability Manager Adrienne Etherton at aetherton@brisbaneca.org.
Save the Date: 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. An updated booster is currently being developed; it's scheduled to be available in pharmacies starting September 12th.
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 at vaccines.gov.
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.
IDEA Committee Meeting - Wednesday, August 16, 6pm
Did You Know?
You can request a letter from the President of the United States when you turn 100. One came just yesterday for Sgt. Chuck Blunt, a longtime Brisbane resident who served in WWII! Chuck's wife Helen shared it with us yesterday, remarking how excited Chuck was to finally receive it.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, August 30th, 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!