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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Training at City Hall
We were fortunate to have Mwanaisha Sims, DEI Trainer and Consultant with us this morning training our department heads, managers, and front-line supervisors. Mwanaisha is the Director of Policy, Training, and Compliance for the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) and is the former Chair of the Racial Justice and Diversity Committee of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section where she conducted Implicit Bias training for public offices nationwide. She was selected to attend the 9/11 Hearings in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to oversee that the process was fair and equitable, and has drafted resolutions for policing agencies dealing with diversity and inclusion. Thank you for being with us as we discussed the value a more diverse and inclusive workplace can offer an organization.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Library this Friday, September 22!
San Mateo County Libraries will continue celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this Friday at 3:30pm in Brisbane, where TaiJi Studio's Irene Hu will demonstrate taijiquan fist and weapon forms before letting the audience join in for a hands-on taiji experience. Afterwards, individually-packaged mooncakes will be distributed for all attendees, along with a Jasmine Green Tea Gift Box, compliments of The Burrow and the City's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability Committee.
Spare the Air Alert Issued Through 9/21
A Spare the Air Alert has been issued for 9/20-9/21 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yesterday, smoke from the wildfires in Northern California and Oregon began impacting the Bay Area's air quality. An SMC Alert went out at 3:45pm; if you're not yet signed up to receive SMC Alerts, please do so at: smcalert.info.
During Spare the Air Alerts, wood burning is banned. High levels of particulate matter pollution are harmful to breathe, especially for young children, seniors, and those with respiratory and heart conditions. If you smell smoke, avoid exposure by staying indoors. Set your car's air to recirculate as well as your home's A/C if you have it to keep the smoky air outside.
CA Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 is Saturday, September 23
Join the City of Brisbane Open Space and Ecology Committee and Parks and Recreation for Coastal Cleanup Day this Saturday, September 23rd from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Brisbane Marina. They will set up in the North Parking Lot, near the public fishing pier and Dock 6.
Please bring your own water bottle and dress for the weather, including sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers. Supplies including trash/recycle bags, gloves, and a limited number of pickers will be provided; consider bringing your own buckets, gloves, and pickers if you have them. Volunteers will receive free habitat series tees and a voucher for lunch at Regatta 23 (see below) for their efforts, along with the great feeling of being part of one of the largest volunteer events and helping to keep our coast and Bay clean!
SPYC Regatta 23 this Saturday, September 23
Join the Sierra Point Yacht Club this Saturday from 12pm-5pm for the 2nd annual Sierra Point Yacht Club Regatta Day at the Brisbane Marina (500 Sierra Point Parkway). Free admission includes live music, featuring San Francisco’s El Guajiro and Brisbane’s own Lee Velinsky Trio, as well as a variety of fun games. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Back by popular demand: the Float-a-Boat building challenge. How many marbles can your makeshift “yacht” take? All cheer for the last one floating! New this year: the Tournament of Dinghies. Teams of 2 race rowing dinghies inside the marina. Dinghies and life jackets provided. Pre-register your team by emailing Brian Hudon at Vice_Commodore@sierrapointyc.org (and bring a towel and change of clothes just in case).
Reminder: Dog Park Closure September 25-29
Get Ready for Day in the Park on Saturday, October 7
Vendor confirmation emails have gone out to the near-35 vendors for the 2023 Day in the Park. In addition to the traditional events that take place on this first Saturday in October, such as the morning Derby races, there will be an Adult Big Wheel Race and a Pie Baking Contest! See more details below...
And if you haven't yet signed up for the Derby, or reserved an official Derby Car Kit, there's still time to do so! Check out Recreation Coordinator Ricardo Monroy (aka "The Rocket" Monroy) running the Big Wheel course:
New Central Brisbane Map Design on Betsy
Check out the new Central Brisbane Map design, whipped up by our Geographic Information Systems manager, Bob Sage. This design can be found on shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, cups, and totes.
Fall Activity Guide - Registration Now Open!
Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department
The City of Brisbane is currently recruiting for an Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department. The ideal candidate for this position is self-motivated, provides varied and office administrative and secretarial support to a department head and related management, professional, and supervisory staff; performs technical support work related to the department to which assigned; may provide lead direction and/or training to a small office support staff on a project or day-to-day basis; and performs related work as required.
If you think you have what it takes to excel in this position, please be sure to apply online at brisbaneca.org/jobs by Wednesday, October 4th!
Upcoming Brisbane Library Events
Mariachi Tapatio: September 21 @ 3:30pm
Come celebrate with Mariachi Tapatio at the Brisbane Library on Thursday, September 21 at 3:30pm. For nearly 40 years, Mariachi Tapatio has been delighting audiences by developing a unique sound rooted in the traditions of mariachi music in Jalisco. Mariachi Tapatio now strives for musical innovation while still preserving their traditional mariachi style. The second event takes place the following month on October 1st and features dance!
Paying for College with Scholarships: The Complex Landscape of Scholarships for College, Sept. 24 @ 11am
Before you dive into the many scholarship books, YouTube tutorials, and spam-heavy databases that are out there, attend this introduction to the contemporary scholarship landscape. In this presentation, Becca demystifies the complex network and application processes related to scholarships for college and prepares you for the tuition ahead. Attendees learn why merit and community-based scholarships are so hard to navigate, how to approach the scholarship search process, and what the realistic timeline looks like if you or your student plans Fall enrollment.
Ballet Folklorico México Vivo: Sunday, October 1 @ 11am
Ballet Folklorico México Vivo was established to promote Mexican culture through dance. Since 1997 they have served the community of Redwood City and surrounding areas by sharing rich traditions of dance through performances. The organization is composed of many families, and they are proud to showcase fathers, mothers, sons and daughters dancing side by side – passing their culture from one generation to another. Join them at the Brisbane Library Sunday, October 1st at 11am!
Save the Date: Moonlight Madness: A Spooktacular Revue - Hosted by the Brisbane Chamber, October 28
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. They anticipate the show will sell out, so get your tickets now at brisbanechamber.org/cabaret or on Eventbrite. Doors open at 6:15pm, and the show will start at 7pm.
HIP Housing's September Home Sharing Flyers
HIP Housing will be one of the vendors at this year's Day in the Park. They'll have information about their various services and programs, including their Home Sharing Program. Find their latest Home Sharing Flyers below. They're also shared on the City's website each month.
C/CAG's Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan - Help Identify Where Traffic Safety is a Concern
The City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County is conducting a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) to help get funding for important roadway improvements across the County. To inform the LRSP, C/CAG is seeking input to identify corridors, intersections, and other locations where traffic safety is a significant concern.
Use this mapping tool to input your comments by September 30th. Thank you for helping make San Mateo County safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. For more information about the project, visit ccag.ca.gov/countywide-local-roadway-safety-plan.
SunShares Discounts Now Open
Bay Area SunShares is offering discounts on home battery storage and solar installation to all Bay Area Residents. Join a SunShares Webinar for more information about the program: September 21, 5-6pm; October 18, 12-1pm; November 1st, 6-7pm.
Fire Extinguisher Tips from North County Fire Authority
North County Fire Authority's CERT Interest Form
Following a major disaster, police, fire, and medical professionals may not be able to fully meet the demand to respond to emergencies. People will have to rely on each other to provide immediate assistance and life-saving and sustaining needs. Through CERT training, cities provide information to its residents about how to prepare and handle disasters and reduce the risk of dangers inside and outside of their homes. Equip yourself, your family, and community with life saving skills for potential severe emergencies and disasters. Fill out an interest form through the North County Fire Authority website to attend local CERT classes.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm
- 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 (every 4th Thursday of the month, alternating between Cleaning refills and Personal Care refills)
Brisbane Lions' White Cane Day, October 6th
Join the Brisbane Lions for White Cane Day on October 6th, from 6-9am. They will be raising funds to help the Brisbane community with eyesight needs.
*Note: The Brisbane Lions will not be having a Flu Shot Clinic this year due to San Mateo County Health not offering the flu vaccine serum that has enabled the Brisbane Lions to offer free flu vaccines annually for the last couple of decades. San Mateo County continues to advise that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. To find your closest flu vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov.
Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon is Saturday, Oct. 7
Coming back for its fifth year on Saturday, October 7th (yes, it's the same day as the Day in the Park) is the Star City San Bruno Half Marathon!
A portion of the registration fee ($90, if registered before 9/16) will go straight toward the Brisbane Lions Club, specifically the Lions' Scholarship Fund. Registration and more information can be found at starcityhalfmarathon.wordpress.com.
Crocker Park Resurfacing Ribbon-Cutting, October 18
In 2017, the City of Brisbane was awarded federal funds as part of MTC’s One Bay Area Grant Cycle 2 Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvement Program for resurfacing the Crocker Park Trail. The project cost is to be covered by $885,300 as allocated by the grant program, and an 11.47% match in the amount of $114,700 by the City. Crusher fines, or a finely-crushed stone mix are being used, and will make for an all-season surface for all types and ages of visitors, including strollers and wheelchairs.
COVID Community Updates
The FDA approved a new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer and recommends it for anyone 6 months and older, regardless of vaccination status, and is now available. The FDA notes that it is safe to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine with the flu and RSV vaccinations. The new COVID-19 vaccine is classified as a vaccine and not a booster because it's designed to target COVID-19 strains that are currently circulating, specifically omicron variant XBB.1.5, which drove a majority of infections in early 2023. This vaccine also protects against the newer variants such as EG.5 & BA.2.86.
Walgreens & CVS are offering appointments on their website or app, with select locations for walk-in appointments. You can also schedule your appointment on vaccines.gov.
Additional doses may be recommended for younger children and high-risk individuals based on their vaccination and infection history, but for most individuals, an annual COVID-19 shot is recommended. Those who recently had COVID-19 may choose to wait three months after testing negative to get the updated shot, according to the CDC, but that is not a requirement. Those who recently received the older bivalent booster should wait two months after their most recent dose.
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
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30pm
Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting - Monday, Sept. 18, 4:30pm
Did You Know?
West Nile virus has been detected in dead birds in several cities in San Mateo County. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus by:
- Dumping standing water so mosquitoes can’t grow.
- Using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors (especially during dusk and dawn). Learn more.
- Reporting biting mosquitoes by calling 650-344-8592 or reporting online.
- Reporting dead birds by calling 1-877-968-2473 or online.
- Learning more about the West Nile virus.
Quote of the week
Roberto Clemente is a Hall of Fame, 15x All-Star Outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Every September 17 (which falls in the middle of National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month) is celebrated as Roberto Clemente Day around the baseball world. His storied name is synonymous with moral excellence, compassion, and charitable work. He passed away attempting to deliver supplies and resources to Earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972. Learn more about Roberto Clemente on the National Baseball Hall of Fame website.
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, September 27th, 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!