Dark Skies Night Hike is Tonight at 7:30 PM - Meet at Firth Park!
Tonight, you won't want to miss the Dark Skies Night Hike with OSEC from Firth Park to the water tank on Beatrice/Alexander Rd. You'll be high up, above homes, and therefore get a taste of the city's current lighting landscape. There's still time to sign up!
Learn with OSEC about the benefits of minimizing outdoor light and reducing light trespass. Here is a news story CBS produced a few weeks ago, featuring OSEC Member Barbara Ebel.
Habitat Restoration Recap - Thank you for Coming Out!
A huge thank you to the 45 people who came out last Saturday for Habitat Restoration Day to celebrate Earth Day! The event, hosted by San Bruno Mountain Watch and the City of Brisbane, pulled out an invasive species, French broom, in Buckeye Canyon on San Bruno Mountain. There was even a family with all 3 generations present, from grandparents to a 3-year-old!
OSEC's "Don't Trash Our Ocean!" Poster Campaign
Did you know that approximately 300 million tons of plastic waste (an amount equivalent to the weight of the human population) are produced every year? Sadly, at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. The Public Education subcommittee of the City's Open Space and Ecology Committee created a series of flyers that you may have seen at the Lipman Science Fair and in the posting area outside of the Library. If you'd like a copy of any of these posters, please reach out the City's Communication Team and one can be printed for you on cardstock.
More Earth Month Updates!
Last call to drop off your solar eclipse glasses so that others around the world can do the same! Drop them in the collection bin found in the lobby of City Hall (50 Park Place) by 6 PM tonight. Brisbane resident Heidi Levison has also been collecting solar eclipse glasses, and brought them by City Hall. Open Space and Ecology Committee (OSEC) Member Erin Becker will be bringing all of them to her workplace (at NASA!), which is currently collecting solar eclipse glasses for redistribution through Astronomers Without Borders. Thank you to everyone who dropped off your glasses!
Just a reminder that on tomorrow, April 25th, we're teaming up with SSF Scavenger to again offer a compost giveaway for residents! The pickup location will be different from last year; see the map below.
Public Works will be relocating some of the compost to the Community Garden for garden users. Be sure to have your own shovels and containers ready on Thursday afternoon. We'll be sure to do a post on our socials when the compost has been dropped off in their respective locations!
Lastly, city staff will be hosting a virtual Brisbane Building Efficiency Program (BBEP) Beyond Requirements Info Session on Thursday, April 25th at 2 PM. Owners and/or administrator of buildings subject to Brisbane's Building Efficiency Program are encouraged to attend.
Safely Dispose of Unwanted Medicines in the Brisbane Police Dept.
The 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 27th. The Police Department has a medication disposal bin where you can safely dispose of expired or unwanted medicines. This includes both prescriptions and/or over-the-counter medicines. Before coming to the Brisbane Police Department (147 Valley Drive), please remember to:
- Cross out or remove all personal identifying information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.
- Leave the product in its original container or place solid medicines in a sealed plastic bag. If transferring medications to a sealed bag, please be sure to recycle the remaining packaging.
To prevent jamming from occurring, please deposit only 2-3 bottles at a time into the bin before proceeding with the next small batch.
Also, please do not use the medication disposal bin for disposing of any of the following items: herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, other personal care products, medical devices, batteries, mercury-containing thermometers, sharps, and illicit drugs. And lastly, this service is available during Police lobby hours, which are 8 AM – 4 PM. If you need to dispose of your medications after hours, please use the call box so that an officer can be dispatched and provide you with access to the bin.
A Great Way to Get Involved & Serve Your Community: Apply to Serve on a City Committee or Board of Trustees by 4/30
The City of Brisbane is currently recruiting community members interested in serving on the Open Space and Ecology Committee, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability Committee, and the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District. The deadline to apply is 5 PM on Tuesday, April 30, 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 Committee and Trustee seats:
- Open Space & Ecology Committee (1 seat)
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Committee* (3 seats)
- San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District (1 seat)
(*Note: Brisbane residents, as well as those who work but don't live in town, are welcome to apply for the IDEA Committee)
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.
Now Hiring: Summer 2024 Lifeguards
Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is soliciting proposals for the Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award for their 14th Annual Bike Summit - an opportunity for youth and kids to showcase their work/projects/proposals for creating a sustainable future. Last date to apply is April 26th. Read more here.
Youth for Climate Policy Virtual Event, April 30
Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is hosting a free, one-hour online event on April 30 from 5 - 6 PM: Youth for Climate Policy. Network with peers and discuss strategies with four former mayors and student advocates who work with local governments and climate organizations to make our cities more sustainable for everyone.
Caltrain Electric Train Tour & 160th Anniversary Celebration in San Carlos, May 11th
Be among the first to board Caltrain’s new, modern electric trains as they unveil the future of their service. Explore the spacious interiors, learn about the exciting new features, and get a glimpse of what Caltrain will be like in 2024. This is the last of three planned tours, scheduled to take place at their San Carlos station. Caltrain will also be celebrating 160 years of passenger rail on the corridor with special commemorative items.
Caltrain Pass Forward Program
Commute.org is partnering with Caltrain on its Pass Forward Program for 2024, where they receive from Caltrain an allocation of free Go Passes to distribute to eligible recipients. Commute.org will be distributing its allocation of passes directly as well as in partnership with community-based organizations that serve essential workers and residents that meet the program requirements:
- Make less than $70,000/year
- Work or live in San Mateo County
- Use the card to get to work, job training, or job searching
- Use the pass at least twice a week
Your Feedback Needed by San Mateo County Transportation Authority
If you travel between San Mateo County and our neighboring counties, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) would like your feedback! The San Mateo County TA is developing the Regional Transit Connections Plan which will provide guidance for a new grant program.
Please help them learn more about how you travel between San Mateo County and Alameda, San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties. This feedback will be used to help the TA prioritize which transit projects to fund.
The survey open until the end of April and is also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Commute.org Commuter Challenge
You don't need to present a card to hop on a Commute.org commuter shuttle. They implemented this during Covid to encourage greater ridership. Until further notice, please take the opportunity to ride the Brisbane-Bayshore shuttle to Caltrain or Brisbane-Crocker Park shuttle to BART!
And when you do, you might as well join the 2024 Commuter Challenge, going on now until the end of May. Bid farewell to the frustrations of peak commute hour traffic. Pledge to use a sustainable commute to work or college for the chance to win $250! Whether you're cruising on public transit, pedaling your way through on a bike, hitching a ride with pals, telecommuting from the comfort of your couch, or simply strolling along, you're not just dodging traffic jams – you're giving your wallet, health, and Mother Earth a positive boost in the right direction. Pledge to use a sustainable commute to work or college for the chance to win $250!
Pledge to Ride Your Bike in May!
Log your rides all month long towards the Bay Area Bike Challenge: 30,000 miles for the 30th Anniversary of Bike to Work Day, which is on Thursday, May 16th this year.
2024 Summer Resident Registration NOW OPEN!
The Activity Guide is a great way to learn all about the upcoming events, classes, and programs brought to you by the Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department. They work hand-in-hand with the Parks & Recreation Commission on all related programs and policies.
Next Collective Camp Bootcamps Start 4/29
Lions Scholarship - Apply by 4/30
Head to the Brisbane Lion's Scholarship Program webpage for all the details needed to apply. Such as, to receive a scholarship award, you must be a high school graduate or have a GED, be considered a Brisbane resident, enrolled in a full-time higher education or vocational program, submit a completed application, and sign up to participate in a 30-minute Zoom interview with Lions Scholarship Committee members in May 2024. Completed applications are due by midnight of April 30, 2024.
Next Play Gym Offering, May 4th
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, consider doing so when the next event is offered on Saturday, May 4th from 9:30 AM - 11 AM at the Community Center!
Note: on May 4th, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM, enjoy open playtime where your little ones can explore and have fun with toys and friends. Then, there will be a music and dance class with Viky Mojica from 10:30 - 11 AM. This engaging session is designed to foster a love for rhythm and movement in children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Come join the fun and create lasting memories with your little one at MoB Play Gym!
North County Fire Authority's Wildfire Awareness Event, May 11th
See more important safety tips like the one below in North County Fire Authority's April Emergency Preparedness Newsletter, which is now available in multiple languages on their website, northcountyfire.org.
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
Upcoming Public Meetings
Archived Meeting Videos
City Council Meeting - Thursday, April 18, 7:30 PM
Did You Know?
You can sign your child up to have their own session to practice reading with a therapy dog at the library. Studies show that children who may not want to read in front of their peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals as judgmental, and reading to an animal helps them become more confident readers. Thank you to Library partner, Pet Assisted Therapy teams and their handlers from the Peninsula Humane Society & the SPCA's Paws for Tales program, for making this program possible (they even have prizes if you are a repeat reader with Buddy). Registration is required, and space is limited, so register early for your 10-minute slot.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, May 1st. 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 & social media pages. Thanks for reading and staying engaged with us!