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Community Park Improvements and Updates
Last November, a letter was sent to the over 200 Community Park Playground star donors letting them know that the time had come where the donor stars needed to be removed from the wall; having been there since the Community Park Play Equipment Project completed in December 2012, too many were beginning to fall off the wall, posing a safety concern as their points are fairly sharp. So staff began the careful removal process last Friday and finished yesterday afternoon. The hope is that the area will be cleaned and the paint removed or touched up shortly.
The 2012 Star Donors page (brisbaneca.org/2012stardonors) was recently stood up and will exist in perpetuity on the City's website. The letter to star supporters also referenced a poster that is currently being prepared by a resident, which will hang in a City facility such as City Hall or the Library and will further recognize the generosity of the 2012 star donors.
The Public Art Advisory Committee felt that Public Art Funds could be potentially used as part of a larger project at the playground in the future, which could include a donor element. An example of this would be if the City Council one day approved incorporating sand at another location in the Park, which will likely require some type of enclosure to better contain the sand.
Speaking of sand, now is the time to get involved in the conversation with the newly-formed Community Park Improvements Subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Their next meeting is taking place at City Hall on Tuesday, February 6 at 6 p.m. There will be a hybrid component too, if you're unable to join in person. Please see the webpage, brisbaneca.org/CPimprovements where join meeting information will be posted shortly.
In the meantime, starting on Monday, January 29, the playground (including the swing area) bathrooms, and one adjacent picnic area will be fenced for the poured-in-place resurfacing project to take place. In lieu of public access to the restrooms, the City will provide a port-a-potty and handwashing station onsite until construction is complete. The work is expected to take 2-3 weeks, weather-dependent. While the playground and swing areas will be temporarily off-limits, this is a reminder that the Tot Lot is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Also, have you been to the park area located beyond the restroom facility at the Community Park? It's a quaint spot to sit, have your lunch, and enjoy some fresh air.
And if you continue wandering down the path a bit more, you'll see a clearing to another small seating area. If you haven't been, we encourage you to check it out!
Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program NOW OPEN
Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grants are available in 815 ZIP Codes, Brisbane's included, with the application period open through February 21, 2024. EBB helps homeowners lessen the potential for damage during an earthquake by offering up to $3,000 toward a code-compliant seismic retrofit for houses that qualify (i.e. has a crawl space beneath the first floor and was built before 1980).
Serving San Mateo County's Homeowners-in-Need
Speaking of home retrofits, are you a homeowner in need of critical safety repairs in the home? Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) ensures safe & healthy housing for residents in San Mateo County through no-cost critical home repairs and modifications. Low income-qualifying homeowners can receive repair service - including accessibility modifications, appliance repair, fence restoration, weatherization, and much more - at no cost.
Business License Deadline Approaching on January 31, 2024
This is a final notification about the City having partnered with HdL to administer the business license program commencing with the 2024 renewal season. Renewal notices went out the first week in January via US mail and via email to those with an email address on file. The online business license portal for applications and renewals went live on January 2, 2024, and is available at brisbane.hdlgov.com. For questions about filing or renewing your business license, please contact HdL at brisbane@hdlgov.com or call (415) 240-4471. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT.
Note: Any person engaging in business in the City must first apply and receive a business license from the City of Brisbane and pay the business license fee; any business having its location or mailing address in the City of Brisbane or any out-of-town business operating in the City is required to maintain an active business license with the City of Brisbane.
Presidential Primary Election - March 5, 2024
We wanted to remind you of some things to do ahead of the Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5th.
- Please check your registration status and choose your language preference for your election materials at RegisterToVote.ca.gov.
- Call/text 650-312-5222 to have a voter registration application mailed to you.
- If you are registered as a No Party Preference voter, you will receive a nonpartisan ballot, which will not include candidates for U.S. President, unless you request a different ballot. Request a crossover ballot.
Learn more about your ballot options at smcvote.gov or contact the Registration & Elections Division at their multi-lingual toll-free number 1-888-762-8683 for more information.
Lastly, join the San Mateo County Election Team as they gear up for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election! They are on the lookout for 150 dedicated individuals to fill crucial roles and be on the front lines of democracy. Explore the open roles and apply now:
- Election Vote Center Representative
- Election Warehouse and Field Technician
- Election Worker - Office Assistant
Find a Note on your Cart Handle?
It's ok, don't be embarrassed...we're all learning here! The contents of all waste and recycling carts/bins are randomly examined as part of the outreach and education program mandated by the State of California. If you find a notice on one of your carts/bins, please review and adjust your sorting habits. Repeat notices for the same offense can result in SSF Scavenger declining to empty the container until the contents are properly sorted. In the case of blatant, repeat offenses, the issue is forwarded to the City. State law requires the City to have in place a process for issuing Notices of Violation and/or administrative citations for noncompliance. Thank you for sorting smart. Your efforts are important and appreciated!
Please utilize the search tool at ssfscavenger.com/sort-smart and contact SSF Scavenger with questions by calling 650-589-4020 or emailing info@ssfscavenger.com.
Drier Conditions Develop by Thursday with a Dry Weekend Ahead!
It poured earlier today, maybe rousing some of us earlier than we preferred. We thought this map the NWS Bay Area shared earlier this week was interesting, and accurate! Click here for the latest forecast updates. Sandbags are still available in the parking lot at City Hall for Brisbane residents, 10-bag limit.
Cal OES is forecasting for there to be a 35% chance of a "historically strong" El Niño this winter that rivals 2015-16 and 1997-98. Note: a strong El Niño does not necessarily equate to strong El Niño impacts locally, but it does increase the odds. Cal OES is advising residents to check their insurance policies now for coverage types. The Department of Insurance is available to help answer any questions; visit insurance.ca.gov or call 1-800-927-4357.
Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Program
The Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program is going strong, where residents who have "adopted" the storm drain(s) nearest their property are receiving a free landscape rake as a thank you for keeping their newly-adopted storm drains clear of fallen leaves and debris.
Check Your Rain Barrel Screens
Rain barrels benefit the environment, your plants, and your budget…but they can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes if there are rips or tears in the screen. For those with rain barrels, now’s a good time to make sure that's not the case. If it is, reach out to San Mateo Vector Control so they can do a quick service call and check things out for you. And for those who don’t have a rain barrel, there are rebates available for you here.
New Art Exhibit at City Hall: "Of Biblical Proportions"
Speaking of winter storms, the newest installation in City Hall's large conference room is Beth Grossman's 17' x 2' acrylic on canvas, "Of Biblical Proportions". Beth's work will be exhibited through mid-April, 2024. Come check it out during City Hall's Public Walk-in Hours. You may want to give the Parks and Recreation Front Office a quick call to make sure a meeting isn't taking place when you're planning to visit. That number is 415-508-2140.
North County Fire Authority's Latest Safety Tip
Get Ready for MoB Shop this Friday & Saturday, January 26 & 27
E-Waste Collection Event at Jefferson High School, Jan. 27
Parents Night Out: Saturday, January 27
Julie's Deli Sunday Game Day Special
Embark on Cave Adventures with CaveSim
A number of San Mateo County Library locations are hosting CaveSim events this week through the weekend. CaveSim is a realistic cave with over 60 feet of tunnels to explore, a 12 ft. vertical caving tower, cave rescue practice with a real stretcher, STEM lessons with working cave rescue phones, and more. The mobile cave is best explored by children ages 5 and up, but can be explored by children ages 3-4 with an adult or responsible sibling. See where CaveSim is popping up.
Brisbane Elementary PTO Basketball Fundraiser with the Santa Cruz Warriors Sunday, March 10
The Brisbane Elementary School PTO is having a fundraiser with the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday, March 10 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The first 10,000 fans receive a Longboard Looney bobblehead! Purchase tickets here and support the BES Mountaineers.
Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey
You likely have heard that the City of Brisbane was designated as an Age-Friendly City last June, with the next step being a community-wide AARP survey for residents 45 and older. Results of this survey are being tabulated and will be further reviewed with the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence this coming spring. Let's help get them 50-60 more!
Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, the Sunrise Room, and the Library (where completed ones can also be dropped off). For more information on how to get involved, contact Nicole Houghton at 415-508-2144 or nhoughton@brisbaneca.org.
The Next MoB Play Gym is Saturday, Feb. 3
Come out for Habitat Restoration Day, Saturday, February 3
Join the City of Brisbane's Open Space and Ecology Committee and San Bruno Mountain Watch for a Winter Planting Day! This is the first event in our annual Habitat Restoration Series, sponsored by South San Francisco Scavenger Co.
We will be removing invasive plants and planting natives at the Northeast Ridge. Meet at the end of Checkerspot Drive, near Rock Wren Lane. Dress for the weather and don't forget to bring your own water bottle. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers will receive commemorative tees and lunch for their efforts. Please register in advance through San Bruno Mountain Watch.
22nd Annual Artists' Evening of Sharing: Saturday, Feb. 3
Each year, the City of Brisbane invites local artists to share their work with the Brisbane public at the Artists' Evening of Sharing. At this free annual event, Brisbane artists will present music, theater, dance, images of visual artwork, photography, and film. This showcase of Brisbane’s diverse artists and provides an opportunity for our community to follow the rich diversity and depth of talent in our town. It encourages an exchange of ideas about art and fosters new relationships and creative collaborations. This year's event will take place at the Mission Blue Center on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. Visit brisbaneca.org/AES2024 for more info!
Free Filmmaking Workshop 2/3, Ahead of Bay Area Social Impact Filmmaking Conference
Students in grades 4-12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County are invited to submit a short film about the environmental topic of their choice by March 17. Winning entries will be screened and cash prizes will be awarded at the 7th annual CEC Student Film Fest on April 24. This year, the Film Fest will be featuring an expanded filmmaking experience for youths in grades 4-12 who want to develop filmmaking skills and make videos with social impact. Come to a workshop being held on Saturday, February 3, 1-4 p.m. at The Nueva School’s San Mateo campus for The Bay Area Social Impact Filmmaking Conference to learn about what makes a winning film. To register for this workshop, as well as for the CEC Student Film Fest, go to burlingamefilmfest.com. Learn more about how the next generation can share an important message about climate change.
Community Pool Closed 2/5 - 2/12 for Annual Maintenance
Sweetheart Pickleball Tournament, Wednesday, February 7
The teams had a fabulous time competing last year, we had to do it again! Register online to reserve your spot! If you have any questions, please email Recreation Coordinator Jeff Franco at jfranco@brisbaneca.org or call him at 415-508-2135.
Interview with Confidence & Resume Workshop, Saturday, February 10
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6 PM
- 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 (back next on 2/8)
Community Health Updates
You've probably seen the headlines that COVID, flu, and RSV cases are on the rise. COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels are also very high across the U.S. Now's the time to make sure you're taking full precautions such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and putting on a mask if you're starting to feel symptoms or going to be in a room with a lot of people.
If you're feeling symptoms, the CDC recommends you test immediately. A positive result is usually reliable. However, a negative test result may not mean you don't have COVID-19. Test again 48 hours later, and mask up as it can take a few days for virus levels to reproduce to be detected by a rapid test.
Order another round of FREE at-home COVID-19 tests this fall on covid.gov/tests via USPS. If you did not order tests this Fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests. Need help placing an online order? Call 1-800-232-0233.
County Health is recommending that everyone who is eligible get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 bivalent vaccine. Vaccines are available from health care providers and local pharmacies. Use MyTurn to find a location near you. Residents without health coverage who need flu or COVID-19 vaccines should contact County Health at SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org or call 650-573-2877 for more information.
City Hall's Public Walk-In Hours are M, Tu, Th: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., W: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and F: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. View our online services to get city business taken care of from the comfort of your home.
San Mateo County and statewide data regarding cases, deaths, positivity, and hospitalizations:
Upcoming Public Meetings
Archived Meeting Videos
City Council Meeting - Thursday, January 18, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.
Did You Know?
At the height of the pandemic, Public Works oftentimes needed to clear large quantities of disposable rubber gloves and masks from each of the City's four sewer lift stations, as they were getting flushed right down the toilet. As part of their daily lift station checks and routine maintenance, there's still PPE and other things they need to pull out of the system they shouldn't have to! So, we implore you to always remember to ONLY flush the 3 P's: Pee, Poop, and Paper! Anything other than those three things should go right into the wastebasket. Thank you.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, January 31. 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!