The Blast City Manager Dennis' Weekly Update | September 18, 2024

City Administration has Moved!

We haven't gone far, just across the street to what we're referring to as the City Hall Annex (at 25 Park Place). The City Manager's Office, which includes City Clerk, Communications, Economic Development, and Human Resources moved last Thursday and are now mostly settled in. Soon we'll be installing a couple building wayfinding signs, designed by our talented Communications Intern, Luca, for the outside of City Hall so the public is aware of where all the departments are situated. North County Fire Authority expects to move their Administration offices over sometime in November. More to come!

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Happy National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month! This month-long celebration begins on September 15th and goes until October 15th, paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. We also honor the cultural richness of Hispanic Americans, whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Indigenous Peoples Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period. The Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month is observed from September 15th until October 15th. During this time, the County celebrates the diversity of cultures that have roots in Spain and Latin America. According to the 2020 Census, 39% of Californians identify themselves as Latinos, making Latinos the largest racial and ethnic group in our State.

There are several events to celebrate National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month at the Brisbane Library:

We hope you enjoy this special month; the public is welcome to join us at the September 19th City Council Meeting where there will be a Proclamation designating September as National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. Let's continue to uplift the stories and achievements of our Hispanic and Latinx neighbors, to reinforce how vibrant and diverse Brisbane is!

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival at the Sunrise Room!

Yesterday, Sept. 17th was the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of autumn. A few of us gathered in the Sunrise Room where Mel (97) and Andy (81) tasted their first bites of mooncake, ever! Thank you to Brisbane-based KTSF26 for sharing them with us so we could share them with our community.

Art Beat: Latest News and Updates

We have several newsworthy items happening in the art arena that we wanted to provide the community an update on.

Public Art Master Plan: Survey Results

The Public Art Master Plan project page has been updated to reflect where we are in the process and now includes a link to the survey results. Parks and Recreation Director Noreen Leek will be presenting a consolidated version of the survey results to the City Council at their meeting on October 3rd.

Alvarado to San Benito Stairway Public Art Request for Proposals (RFP)

The Stairway RFP launched earlier this month and artist solicitation is in full swing! I'm pleased to share that we have officially received our first proposal so the Public Art Advisory Committee will at least have one to consider. I am hopeful that we will receive others in the coming weeks before the October 4th deadline. If you know of artists that might be a fit for the project, please share the information with them. The RFP page can be at brisbaneca.org/StairwayRFP.

Painted Hydrants Interactive Map

Following the most recent fire hydrant restoration event, Sara Nahass from the Parks and Recreation team created an online interactive map of all the City's artfully-painted hydrants. This now allows the public to engage with the hydrants both virtually and in person (think walking tours). The pins denote each hydrant's precise location but also provides a photo of the hydrant and artist details. The interactive map can be found here as well as within the My Brisbane app. Although this will continue to evolve over the years as hydrants are removed from service, damaged, or repainted, this platform affords us the ability to update the information as needed and to maintain a more accurate inventory of Brisbane's beloved hydrants.

November 5th Election

There will be a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the election of three (3) Council members for a term of four years each. Please see the 2024 Municipal Election page on the City's website for the latest election resources and information and check back regularly as information will continue to be added as it becomes available.

Note: The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division is seeking more than 500 seasonal election workers for the upcoming Presidential General Election on Nov. 5, 2024. Positions include ballot retrieval specialist, vote center representative, and election warehouse technician. Those interested can apply via the following job link and, if passed through the initial screening, will receive a Zoom link for an upcoming hiring event. Learn more here.

Let's Talk Trash - Join OSEC's Meeting, Sept. 25th

Teresa Montgomery of South San Francisco Scavenger Co. will be providing her annual presentation to the Open Space & Ecology Committee next Wednesday, September 25th at 6:30 PM. Come with questions or join the Zoom at brisbaneca.org/osec-zoom.

Register for Coastal Cleanup Day, Sept. 21st

Join the City of Brisbane's Open Space and Ecology Committee and Parks and Recreation for our annual Coastal Cleanup Day event sponsored by the South San Francisco Scavenger Company! This year's event will coincide with the statewide event on Saturday, September 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM; meet at the northeast corner of the parking lots at the Brisbane Marina.

Supplies will be available, but in the spirit of reducing waste, please consider bringing your own reusable gloves, buckets and water bottles. Tees and a free lunch will be provided to all volunteers!

Register for 2024 Coastal Clean Up Day

Regatta Day, Sept. 21st

Last year’s Coastal Cleanup Day was on the same day as the Sierra Point Yacht Club’s Regatta Day – and having the two together ended up being a hit! Regatta 2024 will be taking place from noon to 5 PM. Coastal Cleanup Volunteers will get a free lunch ticket redeemable at Regatta Day! Note: the search and rescue demo by the Coast Guard is slated for 12:20 PM. Don't miss a fun day out by the Bay!

Caltrain Electrification Celebration @ the Bayshore Station, Sept. 22nd

Electrification will transform Caltrain into a faster, more efficient, and sustainable service. Electrification improvements will better address Peninsula commuters’ vision of increased service and improved travel times in an environmentally-friendly and reliable way. These service improvements are also expected to help accommodate increased system ridership through improved system operations. Learn more about Caltrain's Electricfication Project the changes that will be coming to Brisbane's Bayshore Station.

A new electric train pulling into the Bayshore Station earlier this week.

Join us Sunday 9/22 at Bayshore Station to hear special remarks from Mayor Terry O’Connell and visit the City’s booth for resources and giveaways from Peninsula Clean Energy! We’ll be raffling off gift cards and taking a group shot before everyone’s invited to board the new electric train headed to San Mateo station for the bigger launch party going from 2-6 PM. More info at caltrain.com/launchparty. Carpooling or biking to the event are highly encouraged.

Come by the Bayshore Caltrain Station between 1 - 1:30 PM on Sunday, September 22nd for a small program.

Save the Date: Diwali Celebration, Oct. 27th

Join Mothers of Brisbane Diwali Coordinators Ranjani, Swetha, and Jyotsna for a Diwali celebration at the Brisbane Library on October 27th from 1 PM to 4 PM! Immerse yourself in the radiant festival of lights, filled with dance workshops and performances, arts and crafts, henna designs, delectable bites, and a sense of unity that exemplifies the spirit of Diwali.

As we come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, this event in Brisbane has been made possible through the generous support and partnership of our community members, the Mothers of Brisbane, San Mateo County Libraries, Friends of the Brisbane Library, and the City’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Committee. Let's share the joy and traditions of Diwali in the company of your neighbors, friends and family. Mark your calendar and brighten up your day with us. RSVP and register here.

Derby & Day in the Park Saturday, Oct. 5th!

Join the Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department on Saturday, October 5th for Brisbane's biggest event of the year: Derby & Day in the Park! The park is filled with community group and commercial tables and information, arts & crafts vendors, good music, yummy food (including Lions tri-tip sandwiches), and plenty of fun for kids. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Ricardo Monroy at (415) 508-2143 or email him at rmonroy@brisbaneca.org.

Register for the 2024 Brisbane Derby!
Buy a 2024 Derby Kit

Register for the Big Wheel Race at Derby & Day in the Park, Oct. 5th

Register for the Adult Big Wheel Race, happening immediately following the Derby at the Day in the Park on Saturday, October 5th!

Star City San Bruno Mtn. Half Marathon & 5k, Oct. 5th

The 6th Annual Star City San Bruno Mt Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 5th, the same day as Brisbane's Community Day in the Park. Back by popular demand, there will also be a 5k Fun Run. Proceeds go to support the El Camino Cross Country Team, the Brisbane Lions Club, and San Bruno Mountain Watch!

The 5k is a great opportunity for individuals and families to stay active or for race fans to experience an exhilarating run. Visit brisbaneca.org/starcityrace to get all the details and register!

North County Fire Authority - Fire Service Day, Oct. 5th

Brisbane will be well-resourced on Saturday, October 5th with firefighters present at Day in the Park as well as at Station 81 for Fire Service Day 2024.

School Board Candidates Forum, Oct. 7th

The School Board Candidates Forum is happening on October 7th at 6 PM at Panorama School (25 Bellevue Ave., Daly City). There is ample parking in the playground and the District will also be streaming it live from a link that will be posted prominently on their website, brisbanesd.org.

Fall Activity Guide Registration Now Open!

Resident Registration opened Tuesday, August 20th (including Fall Swim Lessons). Non-Resident Registration opened this past Tuesday, September 2nd. Don't miss all the new offerings such as a Sound Baths event at the Sunrise Room on 10/7.

Peruse the Fall 2024 Activity Guide Here

The Next Music Class & Play Gym is Sept. 28th

Come join the fun and create lasting memories with your little ones and neighbors at MoB Music Classes and Play Gym! This season includes a total of five exciting sessions: four music classes and one play gym session.

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 the following dates: Sept 28th, Nov 2nd, Dec. 14th.

Play Gym Session: Mark your calendars for October 12th from 9:30 to 11 AM for our play gym session. Enjoy open playtime where you and your little ones can explore, play with toys, and make new friends.

Sign up for Music Classes & Fall Play Gym!

Loneliness to Light Gathering, Oct. 1st

Save the Date for the Loneliness to Light Gathering at the San Mateo Regional Operations Center (ROC) in Redwood City (501 Winslow St). Join to hear from experts and community organizations offering examples on how to reduce isolation and loneliness in San Mateo County. Register here!

Register for Adult Oil Painting Class with Michael Rodman - Classes Start Oct. 3rd

Join Michael Rodman at Mission Blue Center every Thursday at 6 PM starting October 3rd. This six-week class is designed for beginner & intermediate painters who want to improve their skills and move to the next level. Register at brisbaneca.org/paint.

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

CalFresh benefits will be redeemable at every Farmers' Market. We thank Steve Schmidt, the market manager, and his daughter Ashley, who you may see physically each week at the market, for making this happen.

For a current list of vendors at Brisbane’s farmers’ market, check brisbaneca.org/farmersmarket. They are also listed below, as of 9/18:

Every week until November, Mothers of Brisbane founding members, Jessica Aloft and DeeDee Porter, will be tabling, offering non-partisan election information such as directing residents to resources so they can ensure they are registered to vote and their ballots ready in time for the November 5th U.S. Presidential Election.

Updated Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines 2024 Now Available

Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024 Fall season are now available, along with RSV vaccines. Walk-ins are being accepted, but pharmacies are recommending you to make an appointment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients ages six months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, ideally in September or October, to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. Getting a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time is recommended if patients are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. Schedule your vaccination appointment with CVS, Safeway, Walgreens, and many other pharmacies, as well as local hospitals and clinics such as Kaiser and Sutter Health.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense against severe illness and death. The U.S. FDA approved the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine on August 22, 2024. Visit vaccines.gov for more information about how you can protect against respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Upcoming Meetings

Closed Session City Council Meeting - Thursday, September 19, 6:30 PM
City Council Meeting - Thursday, September 19, 7:30 PM
Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 PM
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, September 26, 7:30 PM

The Planning Commission will hold a workshop on Thursday September 26 at 7:30 PM at City Hall with remote participation available to the public via Zoom to revisit the draft density bonus and inclusionary housing ordinance and evaluate preliminary revisions to the ordinance. The revisions they will consider include new requirements of current State Density Bonus law and evaluation of additional alternatives to on-site construction of affordable inclusionary housing units. Check out the City’s website for more information and we’ll see you at the workshop!

Archived City Meetings

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 PM

Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, September 12, 7:30 PM

Complete Streets Safety Committee Meeting - Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 PM

Did You Know?

You can sign up for Fall Soccer with SoccerStars, ages ranging from 2-7 at Community Park. Learn the fundamentals of soccer, build motor skills, and collaborative teamwork. Register your child here.

This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; the next Blast will go out on Wednesday, September 25th. 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.