- City Launches New Permit Portal, Clariti, for Land Use Permitting & Code Enforcement Compliance
- Two Recent Losses in the Building & Planning World
- Reminder: Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project Draft EIR Public Comment Period Closing Friday, Dec. 6
- Readying for Festival of Lights, Dec. 8th
- The Brisbane History Project: Lee Panza on the Community Christmas Tree
- Order Your Holiday Stars Through the Chamber
- Pre-Order Your Holiday Tree or Wreath from the Brisbane Lions
- Festival of Lights: Map of the Community Park
- IDEA Committee Chair Dennis Shares Her Thoughts on the Holidays and What Inclusion Means to Her
- New Project on Engage Brisbane: Taking Your Suggestions for IDEA's Short-Film Festival
- A Reminder from Brisbane PD about Daylighting to Save Lives (AB 413)
- 2024 Election Info
- Fiber Optic Work on Bayshore Blvd
- PG&E Construction Work on Bayshore
- PG&E Offering Free Gas Appliance Safety Checks & Pilot Re-Lights
- Storm Safety Tips from NCFA
- Reminder about Sandbags for Brisbane Residents at City Hall
- Council Meeting Highlights
- Now Taking Your Gently Used Coats!
- Order See's for the Holidays & Support Brisbane School District!
- Donate Non-Perishable Food & Toys to Brisbane Residents
- Register for the Annual Holiday Food & Gift Distribution Event
- Tips on How to Coexist with Urban Coyotes
- Superintendent Presta's Nov. 15th Community Update
- City Trash Grabber Program
- Our 2024 Winter Cleanup Results are In!
- Winter Registration for Residents Opens Dec. 3rd
- BDW's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 7th
- Youth Art Show at the Library Begins Dec. 10th
- The Next Music Class with Viky Mojica, Dec. 14th
- Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6 PM (New Fall/Winter Hours)
- Upcoming Meetings
- Archived Meetings
- Did You Know?
City Launches New Permit Portal, Clariti, for Land Use Permitting & Code Enforcement Compliance
The Community Development and Public Works Departments have recently been getting acclimated to the backend of the City's new building, planning and engineering permitting portal, Clariti, as it bid adieu to former system, GreenVue, last Thursday. Clariti will make it easier for applicants, residents, and staff to obtain accurate and timely information regarding building permits, speed up application review and issuance, and enhance communication between the City and applicants.
Projects with an active plan check or an active, issued building permit have been migrated over to Clariti, including inspection records. Historic permit records and existing user accounts have also been migrated to Clariti. And by now, accounts which had an email address on file in GreenVue should have received an email from Salesforce directing them to either verify their account, or reset their password.
Clariti is where you would go now to submit a Code Complaint. As noted on the form, you can report an issue anonymously. Also on Clariti, you can view Weekly Issued Permits. At any point, use the Search function in the top-right to search addresses and parcels for activity.
As with any new software update, there will be some bugs, so we ask for your patience. If you need assistance in completing a building permit application and/or pulling permits, please know you can always contact the Building staff at (415) 508-2120 or email building@brisbaneca.org.
Two Recent Losses in the Building & Planning World
November has been a hard month, especially for the families of Carole Nelson and Doug Rider. We want to remember them and the marks they left on Brisbane here.
Carole and her husband Griff moved from Santa Cruz to Brisbane, where in 1990, Carole began serving as the City’s Planning and Community Development Director under former City Manager, Robin Leiter. Carole had many contributions during her 15+ year career with the City. Her first success was turning back a proposal by San Mateo County to site a toxic waste disposal facility on the Baylands. Carole was also instrumental in guiding an extensive revision of Brisbane’s 1994 General Plan and helped shepherd the design of Mission Blue Center as a premier venue for the performing arts.
Doug Rider was Brisbane's first Deputy Building Official when the City began contracting with CSG Consultants for building plan review and field inspections soon after the employee-owned firm opened in 1991. He was the "heart and soul" of the Building inspection division and a "great problem solver, with the highest integrity and honesty", according to former City Manager Clay Holstine.
The City Council, at their meeting tomorrow evening, will be adjourning the meeting in honor of both Carole and Doug. Please continue to hold their families and loved ones close in your hearts and thoughts.
Reminder: Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project Draft EIR Public Comment Period Closing Friday, Dec. 6
The City of Brisbane, as the Lead Agency, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the proposed Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project, which is available for public review on the City website, brisbaneca.org/quarry. Hard copies are available at the Community Development Department or at the Brisbane Library. To submit a comment on the Draft EIR, email your comment to quarry@brisbaneca.org with the subject “Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project Draft EIR” by 5 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024. Please see the Notice of Availability for full details. The CEQA FAQs can be read here.
Following the close of the public review period, the City will evaluate comments on significant environmental issues from commenters who reviewed the Draft EIR and prepare a Final EIR. The Final EIR will be considered by the City in making the decision to certify the EIR and approve or deny the Project.
Readying for Festival of Lights, Dec. 8th
On Monday, Parks and Recreation staff, with assistance from Public Works in securing the cables, got the tree up, and are continuing to make sure it's ready for this year's Festival of Lights, taking place on Sunday, December 8th. There is a lot in store for that evening, all planned around this year's theme of shining bright for unity, hope, and peace for the holidays and 2025. But first, with the tree going up, let's take a quick look back at the tree that grew the Festival of Lights to be the much-anticipated event of the season it's become that local filmmaker Keith Moreau just finished producing.
The Brisbane History Project: Lee Panza on the Community Christmas Tree
Getting more excited for the season? We're not the only ones getting ready for the Festival of Lights. Residents who don't yet have a holiday star have been inquiring how they can get one. Here's how along with a bit more history of how this much-loved tradition started, and got Brisbane its nickname as the "City of Stars".
Order Your Holiday Stars Through the Chamber
The Brisbane Chamber of Commerce began Brisbane’s beloved tradition of creating holiday stars for residents and continues to offer them to the community today. This tradition is made possible by the generosity of Golden State Lumber, Brisbane Hardware & Supply, and Star Maker Sue Cochran. To place an order for pick up please email madison@brisbanechamber.org, call 415-706-5276, or place your order online at brisbanechamber.org/stars. This year, stars will also be available at the Lions Christmas Tree lot beginning November 30th! Stars help the Chamber raise funds for their college scholarship program and donations are encouraged (no one will be turned away). The suggested donation amounts range from $10-$40 depending on star size.
Pre-Order Your Holiday Tree or Wreath from the Brisbane Lions
You've probably noticed that the heavy machinery that was being staged in the "Lions tree lot" have all been removed (they're up the street near Guadalupe), and the fencing has been delivered for the Brisbane Lions Club Tree Lot, which opens at the end of November (Thanksgiving weekend)! You can pre-order your holiday tree or wreath now!
Festival of Lights: Map of the Community Park
Ok, getting back to the Festival of Lights on Dec. 8th! Below is a handy map the Parks and Recreation Dept. have put together so you know where everything is.
Start getting excited and plan your route around the park to make sure you see all the various exhibits from local artists!
IDEA Committee Chair Dennis Shares Her Thoughts on the Holidays and What Inclusion Means to Her
Speaking of the IDEA Committee, we asked Chair of the Committee, Anna Dennis a few questions around the holidays, and here's what she had to say:
What makes the holidays in Brisbane important to you?
Over 40 years ago, I remember riding in the car with my grandmother during Christmas time, passing Brisbane and seeing the stars on the homes in the hills. With child-like wonder I was in awe every time we passed by and wondered what the people in those homes were doing. Back then I thought Brisbane was an unattainable, magical place to live. As an adult, I still find Brisbane a very appealing place to live, attainable now and no less magical than when I was a kid.
What does inclusion mean to you?
For me inclusion means to involve everyone no matter their race, religion, or gender. And that everyone has a voice, an opinion, and ideas they can bring to the table to make their community, city, town, state, and the world a better place.
What have you enjoyed about the Festival of Lights?
That the City of Brisbane is turned into a Winter Wonderland and really does turn back into the magical place I remember as a kid. Everyone is happy and for just a little while there truly is a little peace on earth.
Thank you, Anna, for sharing your sweet memory and sentiments with us all! Remember, the Festival of Lights begins with caroling at 5:30 PM from the top of Visitacion to the Community Park. A brief welcome will be provided at the park followed by Santa’s arrival on the firetruck, tree lighting, and our traditional cookies & cocoa. There will be several photo opportunities and interactive light displays to commemorate the Festival of Lights and celebrate the holiday season! See you there...rain or shine!
New Project on Engage Brisbane: Taking Your Suggestions for IDEA's Short-Film Festival
Last November, the City's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability (IDEA) Committee hosted a Short-Film Festival at City Hall as part of United Against Hate (UAH) Week. This year, UAH Week was moved up due to the election and a Short-Film Festival was not planned; the Committee instead focused on Diwali, which took place at the end of October at the Brisbane Library (and has become the Library's most well-attended event)!
Now we want to hear from you as to which short films you'd suggest for the next Short-Film Festival. Please take a look first at the 6 the IDEA Committee showed in 2023 and then provide links to your suggestions!
A Reminder from Brisbane PD about Daylighting to Save Lives (AB 413)
As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to make sure residents were reminded that come January 1, 2025, a new California law, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), will go into effect statewide. Known as the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, this law is designed to improve safety at intersections by increasing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
When cars and trucks park directly up to crosswalks, they reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, making it harder to see people walking or biking. This lack of visibility puts everyone, especially children, who are generally shorter and more likely to be hidden behind a parked car, at greater risk of collisions. Larger vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, add to the danger by further obstructing views at these intersections.
To address these issues, AB 413 will amend the California Vehicle Code, prohibiting cars and trucks from stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. By increasing the visibility at intersections, this law aims to make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians and bicyclists in time to yield the right of way. Note: the City will be modifying white line striping by the end of the year in locations where the lines previously indicated parking was allowed in order to align with the requirements of AB 413.
How it works:
As a reminder, starting January 1, 2025, the Brisbane Police Department will begin enforcement through first issuing warnings, and then citations for vehicles parked within 20 ft. of an intersection’s approach side.
Thank you for helping make Brisbane a safer place for all!
2024 Election Info
The County has been releasing semi-official results every couple of days with the next release happening today at 4:30 PM. See the County's website for their schedule and a link to the Results Portal. Results will be certified on Thursday, December 5th.
Brisbane Construction Updates
Fiber Optic Work on Bayshore Blvd.
As relayed in the May 22, 2024 Blast, the amount of construction seen on Bayshore Blvd. has increased due to several different fiber optic cable installations taking place at the same time. Two contractors are completing separate fiber optic projects in three sections of Bayshore. Right now, one is at the northern city limits near 7 Mile House, and the other is near Valley. When the contractor at 7 Mile House is done in that location, they will move down to San Bruno Ave. and work down towards the the southern border of town. They are doing similar work - running fiber optic conduit, and are trying to finish their respective jobs quickly, now that the rains have come.
PG&E Construction Work on Bayshore
PG&E had been trying to complete their work before the rains, but will now need to work around the weather. They're working in northbound Bayshore, and are therefore closing the section from Tunnel to Valley, between the hours of 9 PM - 6 AM, Sunday - Thursday. One must use alternate routes if traveling during the evening hours through December 20. PG&E is also doing similar construction on Marina Blvd. & Sierra Point Parkway between November 10th - December 15th, 9 AM - 5 PM. We thank you for your patience; pack a lot of it before setting out!
PG&E Offering Free Gas Appliance Safety Checks & Pilot Re-Lights
To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold weather months ahead, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the gas safety checks, PG&E also will re-light pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.
Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by visiting pge.com/pilotlights. Scheduling your appointment online is free and easy and will help you avoid hold times on our customer service line. Customers can also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments.
Storm Safety Tips from NCFA
To see more safety tips and useful public information, be sure to follow NCFA on X at x.com/nocofire.
Reminder about Sandbags for Brisbane Residents at City Hall
With the rains fully here, the pre-filled sandbags got covered to keep them dry. Please replace the cover if you come pick up any bags in the City Hall parking lot. 10 bag limit, Brisbane residents only.
Now Taking Your Gently Used Coats!
The City of Brisbane is collecting clean, gently-used coats for those in need during this holiday season. Please bring clean and wearable coats to City Hall (50 Park Place, Brisbane) or the Annex (25 A Park Place, Brisbane) which have no holes or stains, and no broken zippers or missing buttons. Collection bins will be in the lobby of City Hall and the Annex through Thursday, December 19th. City Hall’s business hours are M-Th: 8:30 AM – 4:30 AM, F: 8:30 – 12:30 PM. The City of Brisbane will also be bringing a collection bin to Veterans Day Flag-Raising. Thank you for sharing warmth this holiday season!
Order See's for the Holidays & Support Brisbane School District!
Support BEST/PTO's See's Candies Winter Fundraiser by ordering some delicious See's chocolates. Show your support for the BES community by getting in your See's Candies orders before Dec. 6th! For any questions, please email brisbaneschoolpto@gmail.com.
Donate Non-Perishable Food & Toys to Brisbane Residents
Join the YMCA and the Brisbane Police Department for their Annual Food & Toy Drive. Donate unwrapped toys and nonperishable/non-expired food items to either City Hall or the Brisbane Police Station now until Wednesday, December 18th.
Register for the Annual Holiday Food & Gift Distribution Event
Registration is now open for the Annual Holiday Food & Gift Distribution for Brisbane residents. Those toys and non-perishable food items will go straight to those who have first registered with the YMCA Community Resource Center, which serves as Brisbane's Core Service Agency within the County.
You can register in-person in SSF at the YMCA Community Resource Center or via phone/email Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM by emailing crc@ymcasf.org or calling (650) 276-4101 ext. 4. Please note registration requirements. We thank the CRC for their partnership with the Brisbane Police Department to serve our residents in such a caring and practical way! Find more information here.
Tips on How to Coexist with Urban Coyotes
We received the above photo this past week from a resident who spotted this coyote on San Bruno Ave near the school. It unfortunately has a bad case of mange. Another resident let us know this week that there was another case of someone who had dumped raw poultry parts in Sierra Point Canyon. This type of activity is illegal and only lets the coyotes know there's resources for them to stay close to homes. Please know, keeping coyotes wild by NOT FEEDING THEM is the key to coexisting. Here's other things to do:
- Remove attractants - keep pets inside, contain waste, compost, and pick up fallen fruit
- Supervise your pets - walk dogs on leash & keep cats inside for safety
- Keep coyotes wary - if you are approached, act big and make loud noises
- Appreciate coyotes - at a distance
Find information on the City's website at brisbaneca.org/coyote and please share what you've learned with your friends and neighbors!
Superintendent Presta's Nov. 15th Community Update
Brisbane's Sustainability Segment
City Trash Grabber Program
Thank you to those who have checked out a trash grabber kit! A reminder that every time you help us keep the City free of litter by picking up trash and recyclables in problematic locations, please complete our reporting form. By doing this, we will be able to track your impact, identify problematic locations, and receive feedback to improve this program. Additionally, we ask that you email us any pictures of your efforts to sustainabilityfellow@brisbane.org if you feel comfortable sharing these photos on our social media or any marketing materials. And here's a perk - if you commit to clean up litter once a month, the City will give you a free kit!
Our 2024 Winter Cleanup Results are In!
Thank you to those that heeded (and didn't move) the No Parking signs set out by Public Works so that SSF Scavengers could drop off their bins early Friday morning! There were some blocked locations their drivers encountered when attempting to make the deliveries of the roll-off containers. Once those issues were resolved, the dumpsters began filling up nicely. Scavengers reported earlier this week that in total, they collected 21.81 tons of yard trimmings this year, with the 2 most used collection spots being Annis Rd. and Firth Park. We're glad this event could be completed before the rains started this week!
Upcoming Events Late in the Fall/Winter
Winter Registration for Residents Opens Dec. 3rd
Winter 2025 registration opens for residents on December 3rd and December 17th for non-residents. The electronic Activity Guide will be added to the Parks and Recreation website early next week. Limited print guides of the Active Adult section will be available at the Sunrise Room and City Hall, as well.
BDW's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 7th
Join BDW on December 7th for their Annual Holiday Arts & Craft Fair at Mission Blue Center featuring a huge assortment of handmade crafts from 30 local artists. Silverspot will also be having their annual Pictures with Santa fundraiser at the Fair. Pre-register here!
Youth Art Show at the Library Begins Dec. 10th
Join us at the Brisbane Library for the inspiring Youth Art Show, running from December 10th, 2024, to January 28th, 2025. This exhibition showcases the creative talents of young artists and their watercolor artwork, guided by the expert instruction of Shirley Lim. Don’t miss the chance to experience their vibrant works!
The Next Music Class with Viky Mojica, Dec. 14th
Come join the fun and create lasting memories with your little ones and neighbors at MoB Music Classes!
Music Classes with Viky Mojica: Experience the joy of music and movement with our engaging music classes led by the talented Viky Mojica. She has an extensive background as a music teacher and storyteller, and has recently completed her preschool teaching certificate at CCSF. Classes are for children ages 0 to 5 and are from 10 AM to 10:45 AM on Dec. 14th (their last offering of the season)!
We know that Halloween's over, but please see an important message from the Mothers of Brisbane and help them to replenish their Halloween costume closet:
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6 PM (New Fall/Winter Hours)
Next week’s market will take place on WEDNESDAY, November 27th, due to Thanksgiving.
- Mountain Fresh
- Villanueva Fruits
- James Healey Confections
- California Bakeshop
- Hummus Heaven
- Medina Berry Farms
- Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
- Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
- Roadside Rotisserie
The Brisbane Farmers' Market takes place year-round, rain or shine. If there is a cancellation due to inclement weather, we will announce it on social media. Thank you for coming to support our loyal vendors!
Upcoming Meetings
Archived City Meetings
Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting - Monday, November 18, 5:15 PM
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, November 14, 7:30 PM
Did You Know?
Brisbane Dance Workshop has started rehearsals for the flash mob that will take place at this year's Festival of Lights. It's a secret, but not really! The second rehearsal is taking place tonight, 11/20, at 7 PM at the Community Center. Everyone is welcome - moms, dads aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, kids, etc. If you would like to sing, but not dance, please also join them as they need as many singers as they do dancers!
Here is the video of last year's flash mob, which was choreographed by Val Cunningham Campbell, Brisbane resident and professional Dance Instructor, whose studio is The Dance Loft SF.
This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; the next Blast will go out on Wednesday, December 4th (Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones)! 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.
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