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The Blast City Manager Holstine's Weekly Update | October 25, 2023

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Affordable Housing Strategic Plan Update

In 2021, aligned with the launch of the 2023-2031 Housing Element update, the City Council authorized the preparation of an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (AHSP) to guide the City's financial planning and priorities related to developing new affordable housing and preserving existing affordable housing. The revised Draft AHSP will be presented to the City Council on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:30pm. In the interim, please let the Community Development Department know what you think about the revised Draft AHSP by submitting your questions or feedback via their online webform.

United Against Hate Week is Nov. 12-18

This November 12-18, United Against Hate NorCal will be activated for its fourth annual United Against Hate Week (UAHW). UAHW is a community-driven, statewide call for local civic action to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a danger to the safety, cohesion, and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. At this challenging time, a story from Pittsburgh of solidarity and compassion offers us hope and an example of what happens when a community comes together in response to hate. "Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life" aired on KQED last night, and will be doing the same on the PBS World Channel tonight, here in the Bay Area. Catch it online on PBS now.

The City's IDEA Committee will be planning a United Against Hate Week community event for the week of November 12th. More details that will be shared shortly!

Playground Resurfacing at Community Park On Pause

We acknowledge the concerns expressed by community members in the last week regarding this project. Per my direction, staff have notified the playground resurfacing company that this project is currently on pause. On November 2nd, staff will be bringing back to the City Council information under Old Business how the project came to fruition, including the application for state funding for the project that allows for the surfacing to continue to be ADA accessible. An ADA-compliant surface allows access for everyone - of course kids, but also caregivers and any persons with child(ren) in their care. The staff report will be available to view this Friday, October 27th on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/meetings.

The community is welcome to use the Tot Lot, located at 4 Solano St. When you visit, you can view updated signage which reminds the community that anyone can enter that playground.

Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey In-Person at an Upcoming City or Library Event

You likely have heard that the City of Brisbane was designated as an Age-Friendly City in June of this year, with the next step being a community-wide AARP survey for residents 45 and older. This past week, staff met with Library staff to arrange for the survey being completed in conjunction with a Library-planned event. The same is true for City-planned events, such as E-Fitness on 10/26 from 2:30-4pm, Agile Aging on 11/4 from 10:30-11:30am, or Design & Build on 12/6 from 1:30-4pm.

Reminder: All San Mateo County Libraries will be closed and Customer Care will not be available for Staff Development Day on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Members Sought for Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities works to promote the independence and full participation of people with disabilities in San Mateo County. New members are needed to advise the Board of Supervisors on disabilities-related issues, create opportunities for people with disabilities and much more. Learn about duties and meeting information and how to apply.

Countywide Commuter Survey Results

Commute.org, a public agency committed to reducing single-occupant vehicle trips in San Mateo County, recently conducted a survey aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the commuting habits of individuals residing or working in the county, whether for work or college. The San Mateo County Commuter Survey is designed to shed light on travel patterns, transportation preferences, and the receptiveness to alternative travel modes. The survey successfully accumulated 2,622 qualified responses during the collection period in June 2023. For any inquiries or additional information, please reach out to support@commute.org.

Test Drive an Induction Cooktop Unit for 2 Weeks

Interested in testing out a countertop induction cooktop at home? You can do so through PG&E’s Induction Cooktop Loaner Program! If you’re a PG&E customer, you’re invited to try a plug-in countertop induction unit for two-weeks, at no cost. Learn more and reserve an induction unit. Induction cooktops are more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric resistance cooktops. They also heat food faster, offer improved temperature control, and are easier to clean!

Time is Running Out for a Limited Time Discount on Home Solar + Battery Storage

Bay Area SunShares makes it simpler to go solar + storage by providing discounts with pre-vetted quality installers. Sign up now for the limited-time SunShares discount before it expires November 15th!

Reminder: PG&E Work Affecting Bicentennial Walkway Lights, 9pm-5am, Oct. 26-27

PG&E will be performing maintenance work to install new equipment on the Bicentennial Walkway near 210 Sierra Point Road. The estimated timeframe of this construction will be from Thursday, October 26 at 9pm - Friday, October 27th until 5am. Thank you for your patience. For outage and project questions, please call (650) 598-7325 or go to PG&E's Outage Center website. For general questions about PG&E service, please call their customer service center 1 (800) 743-5000.

Coffee with Congressman Kevin Mullin, 10/27

Please join Congressman Kevin Mullin for a "Coffee with Kevin" on Friday, October 27th at Madhouse Coffee in Brisbane from 9-10 am. It’s a great opportunity to meet your Congressional representative in-person and for Congressman Mullin to hear the community's priorities.

MOB Play Gym is Getting Spooky this Saturday!

Join the Mothers of Brisbane on Saturday for a Halloween-themed MOB Play Gym at the Brisbane Community Center from 9:30 -11am. If you help set up and clean up, admission is free! Find more information at brisbaneca.org/playgym.

Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue - Hosted by the Brisbane Chamber Saturday, 10/28

Proceeds from the show benefit the Chamber and its programs including but not limited to: The Luminary, Excellence in Education Scholarships, State of the City, and the Students in Business and Government Program.

Join the Brisbane Chamber for a night of spine-tingling excitement at "Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue!" Chanteuse Madame Borghesi and her sizzling 3-piece jazz combo with musical direction by San Francisco’s one and only Ross Gualco will entertain with mischievous songs and stories. The revue will also feature mesmerizing performances by world-class circus and variety artists, including chilling juggling feats and jaw-dropping magic tricks. Brisbane's own Lafi Faletoese-Ma'u will also take center stage, belting out tunes that will take your breath away. Get your tickets now at brisbanechamber.org/cabaret. Enter code HALLOWEEN for an $11 discount. Doors open at 6:15pm, and the show will start at 7pm.

Howl-O-Ween Costume Pawty & Photo Shoot, 10/30

New location this year! Howl-O-Ween will be taking place under the Gazebo at the Community Park on Halloween Eve from 5:30pm-7pm. Get your pet costume-ready, as it's sure to be a fun time again for all.

Halloween Portrait House, 10/31

BDW hopes to see you and your family at their pop-up Halloween Portrait House on Halloween from 4-7pm at the Brisbane Community Center, 250 Visitacion Avenue. No appointments necessary! All proceeds benefit Brisbane Dance Workshop.

North County Fire Authority Safety Tip - Halloween Fire Hazards

North County Fire Authority reminds everyone to be safe this Halloween! Get more Fire Tips at northcountyfire.org.

Visit the Community Ofrenda Outside of the Brisbane Library until 11/2

Brisbane residents Ava St. John and Ari Rosas have set up a community ofrenda (altar) along the fence outside the Brisbane Library. Last year, this ofrenda was set up inside of the Library but this year, she hoped it could be more visible so residents knew it was there for them to honor and celebrate a loved one. To participate, simply bring a printed or copied photo, and place it in the provided plastic sleeve (upside down to avoid rain) and tape the bottom. Then, tie the sleeve to the fence well to avoid wind, using the provided pipe cleaners. Thank you, Ava and Ari, for thinking of all these details and setting up this beautiful community ofrenda for all to enjoy. Visit it now until November 2nd.

Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm

For a current list of vendors at Brisbane’s farmers’ market, check brisbaneca.org/farmersmarket. They are also listed below, as of 10/25:
  • 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 (get your refill containers ready, as Karen will be at the market tomorrow, 10/26!)

Veterans Day Flag Raising Event, 11/10

You’re invited to join us in the Park for a short ceremony to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This is happening at 9am on Friday, November 10th, the day before Veterans Day.

State of the City Address, 11/15

Save the Date, and plan to join in-person or virtually via Zoom.

Lifeguard Certification Course in November

Space is still available for the 2023 Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course starting November 17. Visit brisbaneca.org/lifeguard to register. Email Jeff Franco for any additional questions.

Winter Clean Up Weekend is Coming Up, Nov. 4-5

This year's Winter Clean Up Weekend is November 4-5. Start thinking what you can trim or clear in your yard so that when the dumpsters are placed around town late Friday afternoon of the 3rd, you'll be ready to fill them!

COVID & Community Health Updates

County Health is recommending that everyone who is eligible get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 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 (650) 573-2877 or SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org for more information.

Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.

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:

Upcoming Public Meetings

Archived Meeting Videos

City Council Meeting - Thursday, October 19, 7:30pm

Did You Know?

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28th, so we wanted to remind residents that expired or unused prescription medication can be dropped off at the safe drug disposal kiosk in the Police Department's front lobby. Drop-off hours are from 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. If you arrive when the lobby is closed, please use the call box and dispatch will send an available officer to the station. If you have sharps, please dispose of them at a designated sharps drop-off location.

Quote of the week

This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, November 1st, 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!