The Blast City Manager Dennis' Weekly Update | October 16, 2024

Spotlight on Kiara Nishimura's Adult Pool Rescue

On October 3rd, one of our dedicated Head Lifeguards, Kiara (Kiki) Nishimura, demonstrated unwavering focus and diligence performing a deep-water rescue of an adult patron. She quickly identified the signs of distress and activated emergency response protocol by alerting other onsite staff and entering the water to perform a rescue she had practiced many times at staff in-service trainings. Her instincts paired with her training resulted in a “best case scenario” outcome. The patron was shaken up by the experience but remained conscious, did not ingest water, and did not require resuscitation. He was very grateful to our qualified staff for their quick-thinking actions to ensure his safety. Thank you, Kiki! Job well done!

The below photo features Kiki in the middle (with Anadelia on the left and Harper on the right).

I wanted to take this moment to highlight and give my token of appreciation to Brisbane's other lifeguards who also performed rescues and used quick judgment. Above is a photo of all the lifeguards taken this summer.

Backside of San Bruno Road Closure Next Tuesday, Oct. 22nd

Public Works will be doing various maintenance activities on the backside of San Bruno Ave. on October 22nd from 9 AM - 5 PM. Public Works deemed it safer to close the road since it's narrow but will allow local traffic only (no through traffic) from Annis down to McLain, then it will be completely closed between McLain and Bayshore. Thank you for your patience, Brisbane.

The work to be completed includes:

  • Water valve exercising
  • Sewer main cleaning and videoing
  • Storm drain catch basin cleaning
  • Weed and organic waste removal
  • Removal of excess dirt from shoulder of roadway
  • Pot hole locations

Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project Draft EIR Publication

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 now 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.

The Planning Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM to provide an additional opportunity for public comment on the Draft EIR.

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.

NCFA's October 2024 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter & Emergency Preparedness Meeting, Oct. 29th

Take IDEA's Survey by Oct. 31st

The City's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability Committee (IDEA) Committee was created by the Brisbane City Council in 2021 to provide insight and feedback to the Council on issues related to diversity and inclusion. To help inform their 2025 Work Plan, they would like to hear from as many residents as possible and build upon past surveys. They just have a few questions; If you haven't already, take their survey now. To the over 80 individuals who have filled out the survey, IDEA thanks you so much!

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.

New 'Love My City' Banner Set

You've probably noticed the new banner set along Visitacion and San Francisco Ave. by now. These were lovingly designed by Parks and Recreation Director Noreen Leek and put up last week via bucket truck by Public Works.

The Great ShakeOut is Oct. 17th

Every October 17th, International ShakeOut Day occurs where millions participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. If you have the MyShake app on your phone, a TEST alert is being sent out at 10:17 AM on Thursday. When you get the alert, practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON! Remember, in most situations, if you feel shaking or get an earthquake alert, immediately:

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

And if you’re not already signed up for SMC Alert, please take the opportunity to do so now. This is how the City will send out public messages during an emergency situation.

Tai Chi Workshop at Mission Blue, Oct. 19th

Renowned Tai Chi Master Lily Li will be leading a free workshop at Mission Blue Center on Saturday, October 19th from 8:30 AM - 3 PM. Lily has been teaching and guiding students for over three decades and continues to inspire others in their mastery of this ancient martial art.

Interested in experiencing the tao? Then sign up by emailing taichiyuenssf@gmail.com. Provide your phone number as well and someone will reach out to confirm your attendance. This workshop is sponsored by Tai Chi Yuen, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Join Acterra’s Free Electric Home Tour Oct. 19th – Explore Electrified Homes Near You

Acterra is proud to present the Electric Home Tour 2024, a free, community-powered event that invites the public to explore innovative, electrified homes. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11 AM - 3 PM, explore homes throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, ranging from new construction to those transitioning from gas. Gain valuable insights from homeowners on appliance selection, contractor decisions, installation processes, and cost-saving benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and other incentives, making your transition to electric living informed and cost-effective. Learn more and register for the Electric Home Tour 2024.

Lions Club Annual Fun Run/Walk & Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 19th

Get ready for what's known as the Sierra Point Prowl! This is a 5/10k walk or run (your choice). All proceeds go to scholar awards. The Lions have a lot of great sponsors so all registration fees go directly to the awards. It is only $25 per person and that is entry fee, T-shirt, and lunch. The walk/run goes along the lagoon and out to the bay trail by the Double Tree Hotel and back. Even if you don't want to walk or run you can get the meal and the T-shirt. Thank you, Lions, for all you do, and the community for your generous support for scholarships! Register for the Fun Run!

The Lions will also be hosting their Annual Pumpkin Patch in the Community Park on Saturday, October 19th, from 9 AM - 1 PM. Come and take photos with the pumpkins and if you take one home with you, be sure to drop them a donation to show your appreciation of all their efforts! You'll also be able to enjoy a delicious Lions community BBQ while you're there.

The spirit of the Brisbane Lions continues to be present today as set forth by their charter members shown in the photo below from the 1960s:

From left to right, back row: John De Marco; Ted Dagler; Pisa Bernardini. From left to right, front row: Dick Schroeder; Jim 'Red' Williams.

Spooky Splash at the Community Pool, Oct. 19th

Join the Brisbane Parks & Rec Department at the Community Pool for Spooky Splash - a special Halloween Rec Swim with Pumpkin Decorating, games, and more. Entrance Fee Required.

Trash Talk: Halloween Shouldn’t Create a Scary Amount of Waste!

By: Teresa Montgomery, Sustainability Manager at SSF Scavenger, and Adrienne Etherton, Sustainability Manager at City of Brisbane

A significant amount of waste is created every Halloween. Candy wrappers, poorly made costumes and decorations, and single-use tableware are largely to blame. If you are planning to trick-or-treat or otherwise participate in Halloween fun this year, please consider following these tips:

  • Create your costume with materials you already have or can borrow from others. If you must buy something, shop at a thrift or consignment store.
  • Use a pillowcase, empty bucket, or reusable bag to collect candy.
  • Decorate with whole or carved pumpkins. Resist the urge to paint or alter them in a way that would keep them from being composted after the holiday.
  • Invest in rechargeable batteries for any decoration that requires batteries.
  • If you’re hosting a party and serving bottled or canned beverages, make sure the empties get recycled (under the dark blue lid of a split recycling cart, or in a larger cart/bin labeled “Containers Only”).
  • Avoid setting your holiday table with disposable tablecloths, plates, cups, and utensils. Choose reusable alternatives.
  • Freeze any leftover candy. Use if for gingerbread house building or baking. The internet is full of recipes for leftover candy!

Got more tips? Or photos of DIY costumes or decorations? Please send them to info@ssfscavenger.com so they can be shared with others.

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.

On October 7, 2024, the 30-Day Vote Centers in the County and Ballot Drop Boxes opened for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election. Voters may visit any of the Vote Centers in the County to register to vote, vote in person, return a voted ballot, or request a replacement ballot. Or, drop off your ballot at one of the Ballot Drop Box Locations. (More information about Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Box Locations).

The Vote Center in Brisbane City Hall, 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005 will be open between the hours of 9 AM - 5 PM on November 2, November 3, and 4, 2024, and between the hours of 7 AM and 8 PM on Election Day, November 5, 2024.

A friendly reminder that electioneering is not allowed within the immediate vicinity of a person in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, curbside voting, or ballot drop box the following activities are prohibited. The Secretary of State has a helpful Official Voter Information Notice: NOTICE Regarding Prohibition of Electioneering and Corruption of the Voting Process.

On Wednesday, September 29th, the League of Women Voters moderated a Candidates Forum at City Hall's Community Meeting Room. The event is sponsored each year by the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce. See the recording below, which is also being replayed throughout the week on Comcast Ch. 27.

Brisbane School Board Candidate Forum Video

Missed the Brisbane School Board Candidate Forum? Watch the video back here. Please note: the moderator mistakenly mentioned there are 3 (three) seats available when there are only 2 (two).

Superintendent Presta's Oct. 11th Community Update

Read Superintendent Presta's Community Update from Oct. 11th, including a college & career fair, the JUHSD Open House, and more!

New eBook Stops in Brisbane

In coordination with San Mateo County Library staff and Brisbane's Parks & Recreation Department, there are two new “eBook stop” locations here in Brisbane: the Community Pool and on the corner of Old County & San Francisco Ave, close proximity to the bus stop in front of the post office. eBook Stops allows community members and visitors to download eBooks and eAudiobooks without a library card. Reading is now as easy as visiting a location and scanning a QR code. Additionally, the collection of books, which is exclusive to the service, now includes eAudiobooks as well! You’ll find books in both English and Spanish, all completely free and the collection is being constantly updated.

Ube Bake Off Challenge at 7 Mile House, Oct. 16-21

Come dine in-house at 7 Mile House and partake in their 4th Annual Ube Bake Off, which gets underway today, Wednesday, October 16th through Monday, October 21st. Order the Ube Bake Off Competition Sampler and receive two ballots to vote for your favorite Ube Dessert. The winner will be announced at 7 Mile House (2800 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane) on October 23rd at 6 PM in person and on IG Live. For more information, please visit 7milehouse.com/ubebakeoff.

Save the Date: BDW's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is 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!

New Trash Grabber Program

The Trash Grabber Program debuted at the Open Space & Ecology's booth at Day in the Park. The Trash Grabber Program allows you to check out a trash grabber kit or a set of kits if you organize a clean up event. If you commit to clean up litter once a month, the City will give you a free kit! For inquiries, please reach out to our Sustainability Fellow, Alejandra Chase, at sustainabilityfellow@brisbaneca.org.

What Commute Benefits Do You Offer? Take the Commute.org Survey!

Commute.org is conducting a short survey to learn about the commute benefits employers in San Mateo County offer to their employees. Your feedback will help us enhance our programs to better support organizations like yours. Complete the Employer Commuter Profile & Benefits Survey by Friday, November 8 for a chance to win a $100 e-gift card! As an added bonus, employers who complete the survey will earn points in our Employer Recognition Program and receive high-level results to see how their organization compares to others in the county.

2025 Sustainability Awards now Open

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Awards Program, which honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices. Applications are welcome for SSMC’s Sustainability Awards and Youth Sustainability Award, as well as the Green Building Award. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on November 11, 2024. SSMC will recognize the awardees at its 26th Annual Awards Celebration on April 6, 2025. To learn more, visit bit.ly/Sustainability-Awards-2025.

Equitable Paths to EV Charging, Oct. 24th

On October 24, SSMC is hosting an in-person event to share the findings of our 28th annual Indicators Report. This year’s report, our 28th annual, is titled “Equitable Paths to EV Charging.” Attendees will find out how we will address one of the biggest contributors to climate change–transportation–and how we can expand access to EV charging for all communities, including multi-family and renter-dominated neighborhoods in San Mateo County. Register here.

Sizzle and Sisig: Induction Cooking with Chef Reina Montenegro Oct. 24th

Join the South San Francisco Libraries on October 24th from 6:30 to 8 PM for an electrifying induction cooking demonstration hosted by Celebrity Chef Reina Montenegro (of Chef Reina in Brisbane). Learn more and register here.

Save the Date: Annual Waste Cleanup is Nov. 16 & 17th

This year's Annual Winter Clean Up Weekend is November 16 & 17, 2024. This is the time to clear your property of fallen leaves and branches which could find their way into one of the City’s storm drains and cause flooding during the rainy season. Dumpsters will be placed throughout town for residents to dispose of their yard waste. Visit brisbaneca.org/cleanup for more information!

Reserve Pickleball & Tennis Courts

Hi there, pickleball and tennis players! Ready to learn about new opportunities to play in Brisbane? Brisbane Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Rec to introduce a modern reservation system at Mission Blue Center Courts! Meet Rec at Mission Blue from 4:30-6:30 PM today, Wednesday, October 16th to get help setting up your account and join the raffle to win pickleball and tennis swag! Already have an account? Head to rec.us/brisbane to book a class, request a lesson with a local instructor, or make a court reservation today!

Please note: Tuesday & Wednesday night pickleball at Mission Blue will continue; those times are blocked off on the REC calendar.

Fall Activity Guide Registration Open!

Resident & Non-Resident Registration is now open (including Fall Swim Lessons). Don't miss all the new offerings.

The Next Music Class with Viky Mojica is Nov. 4th

Come join the fun and create lasting memories with your little ones and neighbors at MoB Music Classes! 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: Nov 2nd, Dec. 14th.

Another Fixit Clinic in SSF, Nov. 4th

Join the San Mateo County Sustainability Department at the South San Francisco Library on October 7th and November 4th for advice on how to fix household items such as computers, appliances, and more. Register here.

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 10/16:

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. 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 October, to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants. Respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) circulate year-round in the U.S. and California but are typically more active in fall and winter 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. Visit vaccines.gov for more information about how you can protect against respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

You are able to place another order of 4 free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests. Shipping began on September 30th and will be delivered by USPS. Limit of 1 order per residential address. Each order contains 4 individual tests shipped in 1 package. Order four free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests on COVIDTests.gov.

Upcoming Meetings

Archived City Meetings

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 PM

Did You Know?

The City partners with nonprofit communication and dispute resolution organization Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC) and residents can take advantage of complimentary mediation services, in areas such as:

  • Neighbor/Neighbor
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Business/Consumer
  • Workplace
  • Homeowner Association
  • Family

Reach out to them via their contact form to start the five-step mediation process or call them at 650-345-7272.

This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; the next Blast will go out on Wednesday, October 23rd. 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.