The Blast City Manager Dennis' Weekly Update | January 15, 2025

Our Hearts are with LA + 1/15 Emergency Prep Meeting & 1/25 CERT Training

Many of us now have heard about individuals, friends, and families whose lives have been devastated by the fires in Los Angeles County that started last Tuesday, January 7th. By the next day, a total of five fires had forced mandatory evacuations, from the Pacific Palisades area to Altadena/Pasadena, and the Hollywood Hills. Through the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System and California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA), Fire resources were deployed to Southern California. The Operational Area Coordinator for the San Mateo Fire Mutual Aid Operational Area is our very own North County Fire Authority Chief, Ron Myers. He sent sent 4 Strike Teams/Task Forces to the Southern California Fires, totaling 78 firefighter, 18 engines, 8 chief officers, and numerous other overhead from the following agencies:

  • South San Francisco Fire Department
  • San Bruno Fire Department
  • North County Fire Authority
  • Central County Fire Department
  • San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
  • Woodside Fire District
  • San Mateo County Fire Department
  • Menlo Park Fire Protection District
  • Coastside Fire Protection District
  • Redwood City Fire Department
Capt. Craig Briscoe and Firefighters Tom Piccolotti and Kai Aquino from Brisbane Station 81 traveled down to Los Angeles in OES engine 376 last Tuesday evening, the day the fires started, and are among the many first responders working around the clock to protect life and property in Southern California.

North County Fire Authority, which serves the cities of Brisbane, Daly City, and Pacifica, sent 18 personnel and chief officers, which currently are all assigned to the Palisades incident. The CFAA associated with the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System provides full reimbursement to fire agencies. We look forward to all of their safe return home.

In case you missed it, we set up a page on our website listing out vetted organizations that are working to support those impacted by the Los Angeles fires. We've also had longtime residents ask what is being done on a regular basis to clear vegetation in Brisbane. Over the weekend, our Fire Chief sent out a message that included a bulleted list of regular vegetation management activities and recent actions taken by the City Council to help keep Brisbane fire-safe.

North County Fire Authority began offering monthly Emergency Prep meetings at the end of last year and will be hosting their next one today, Wednesday, January 15th from 6-6:30 PM on Zoom and invite all residents in the NCFA to attend.

Scan the QR code to visit northcountyfire.gov/emergency-preparedness-monthly-meeting for more information, or click the button below to join the meeting at 6 PM.

There also happens to be a four-part CERT Training Classes starting soon in Brisbane. The first session kicks off on Saturday, January 25th at Brisbane City Hall from 9-3:30 PM. Learn life-saving skills and what to do when a disaster strikes. Interested in CERT classes? Then be sure to fill out the interest form on North County Fire Authority's website, northcountyfire.gov.

NEWLY LAUNCHED: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans Gallery & Calculator

The City has launched its Pre-Approved ADU Plans Gallery and ADU calculator to help residents plan for and build ADUs and allow homeowners the ability to estimate development costs and economic return of building an ADU on their property. Note: pre-approved designs have been partially reviewed for safety and rule compliance, saving you time in the permitting process, but all pre-approved designs still require some site planning and permitting applications to complete the process. Plans that aren’t pre-approved are considered “pre-designed,” prepared by a professional and ready to customize, finalize, and begin permitting. These plans are available for purchase or for free and save you time and money!

Brisbane Sunset Flag Added to Betsy, Brisbane's Official Merch Shop on Etsy

It's a popular design around town, brought to life by our GIS Manager, Bob Sage. Mostly seen on hats, t-shirts, and stickers, it's now available on a high-quality, 3-ply, double-sided, and wrinkle-free 3'x5' flag! Show your community pride and order yours today! Limited quantities available.

Art Beat, Starting with the Call for Public Input for the Alvarado-San Benito Stairway Project, Jan. 21

Visit the project page, brisbaneca.org/stairwayRFP

We are pleased to share this exciting opportunity for input regarding an upcoming public art project! The Alvarado to San Benito stairway project seeks to enhance and transform a new public outdoor stairway into a vibrant community landmark. This project will enhance safety for pedestrians, including youth and the elderly in Brisbane by providing an additional passageway to and from central Brisbane. We invite residents to join us at the Public Art Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, 1/21 starting at 5:15 PM at the City Hall Annex (25A Park Place, Brisbane) to meet the artists, view design concepts, and share your thoughts and ideas. Whether you’re passionate about art or simply want to make your voice heard, we encourage you to participate in this exciting opportunity to influence the visual identity of our shared space. Together, we can create something that reflects the spirit and creativity of the Brisbane community!

Don't Miss the 23rd Annual Artists' Evening of Sharing, Feb. 8th at Mission Blue Center

Have you heard about Brisbane being a community of artists? There’s no better way to experience that than at this year’s Artists’ Evening of Sharing, which takes place at Mission Blue Center (475 Mission Blue Drive, Brisbane) on Saturday, February 8th starting at 7:30 PM. Prepare to be inspired by the sheer talent that surrounds us. Free admission and all ages welcome!

Next Adult Oil Painting Classes Start Jan. 23

Speaking of artists, there's a great opportunity just around the corner to unleash your inner artistry...with...

Brisbane resident, artist, and instructor Michael Rodman needs to know now if you'll be joining his next class offering at Mission Blue on Thursday evenings. He needs 4 artists minimum to make the class go! So be sure to sign up by Sunday, Jan. 19th and get ready to make some great paintings!

Mothers of Brisbane Winter/Spring 2025 Play Gym Sessions

Join the Mothers of Brisbane for the fun-filled Winter/Spring sessions of the Mothers of Brisbane (MoB) Music Classes and Play Gym, perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! This season includes a total of seven exciting sessions: four music classes and three play gym sessions. Come join the fun and create lasting memories with your little ones and neighbors at MoB Music Classes and Play Gym!

Pancake Breakfast to Support Silverspot Nursery School, Jan. 18

Join for a delicious pancake breakfast to support Silverspot Nursery School, a cooperative preschool dedicated to nurturing children aged 2-5. This family-friendly event promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere, tasty pancakes, and the joy of coming together for a great cause!

Your ticket purchase is tax-deductible and directly contributes to the operation and enrichment of the co-op preschool, fostering creativity, growth, and learning for young children.

Latest JUHSD Community Newsletter

Read the latest Community Newsletter from Superintendent Presta to the JUHSD community here or catch it when it comes out Friday afternoons here on the JUHSD website.

This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; if it was forwarded to you or you saw it on social media and would like to subscribe, sign up here. Find all of our subscription lists at brisbaneca.org/subscribe. As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts on the Blast. Thanks for reading and staying engaged!