In Further Recognition of Black History Month
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. Today and for the remainder of February, we'll be recognizing some lesser-known names, some of whom were trailblazers but may not be household names. Find that in place of our Quote of the Week at the end of The Blast.
And then there are those whose legacies have forever altered the fabric of our society. Today happens to be the 32nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, after serving a total of 27 years. An icon of democracy and social justice, he went on to become South Africa's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial reconciliation. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and is heralded as South Africa's "Father of the Nation" as well as the "Founding Father of Democracy".
Have you checked out the features that the Brisbane Parks and Recreation Department have been doing each week of black authors?
See more on Parks and Rec's Facebook and Instagram pages. To further celebrate and recognize that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America - our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations - the Brisbane City Council at their February 17, 2022 meeting will be proclaiming February as Black History Month in the City of Brisbane.
2022 Free Virtual Film Screening Series on Human Trafficking Awareness Kicked Off Yesterday
The City supports the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking. The first one, "Chosen", was shown last night and was followed by a panel discussion with experts in the field. Did you miss the screening? You can view the full playback of the event on either:
Join them next month for "This Adventure Called California", and in April for "Boys Documentary", where they will again have a panel discussion. Email stophumantrafficking@smcgov.org if you have any questions or want to get involved with the efforts of the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Prevention Program to stop this crime from occurring in San Mateo County.
Accident at Bayshore and Guadalupe Brings City Departments Together
The accident that took place this past Wednesday at Bayshore and Guadalupe Canyon Parkway brought Public Works, Fire, and Police (including mutual aid from Daly City) together to clear a motor vehicle accident scene that involved two sedans. Here is the press release:
If you were signed up for SMC Alert, you received the text and/or email alert to avoid the area and that the roadways would be closed for approximately two hours so that first responders could clear the debris. This alert was sent by the Brisbane Office of Emergency Services.
City Testing Long-Range Voice Communication Broadcast System Weds. 2/16 on SMC Alert
Speaking of SMC Alert, between noon and 1pm on Wednesday 2/16, the City will be testing a long-range voice communication broadcast system for possible purchase as one of the City’s means of providing timely mass notifications to the Brisbane community during emergencies. Citizens and employees working in Brisbane are encouraged to sign up for the County’s free alert notification system that can send alerts to email accounts, cell phones, and landline phones.
Immigrant Inclusion Survey
San Mateo County launched a survey this past Tuesday to gather info about the needs of the County's immigrant communities to inform their first-ever Immigrant Integration & Inclusion Strategic Plan. They hope to tailor local initiatives and outreach that promote immigrant inclusion.
Have You Noticed The New Trash Cans On Visitacion Ave?
Public Works has been purchasing and modifying these containers that have a sloped top to discourage trash from being left on top, have a locked door to the bin so only the janitors can access the bin, and have a narrowed “throat” so that garbage that belongs (litter, lunch containers, beverage holders, etc.) can be slipped inside, and those things that don’t belong (raccoons, household and commercial garbage bags. etc.) can’t.
They’ve also added a note reminding folks that trash must go in the receptacle – this is not horseshoes, close is not good enough! All the cans will eventually be upgraded. For the present, we’re at the mercy of the clogged-up supply chain.
Bay Area Reach Codes Community Feedback Virtual Event
The Bay Area Reach Codes community feedback event will provide a review of code strategies, costs, and other goals for 2022 reach codes. This session is brought to you by Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) – the not-for-profit community-led energy providers for San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties respectively. For more information, visit BayAreaReachCodes.org.
Woman's View 2022: Call For Artists!
Women’s View 2022 recognizes, celebrates, and honors the women of San Mateo County during March, National Women’s History Month. Women’s View 2022 is co-sponsored by San Mateo County’s Commission on the Status of Women, and is in its 17th year. The group art exhibition runs March 1- April 29 and is open to women, non-binary, and gender nonconforming artists who live or work San Mateo County. Email 1 photo of your artwork to curator@smcgov.org. They're accepting painting, photography, tapestry, mixed media, digital art, and other art forms.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 18th at 5pm.
Brisbane: A Cartographic Journey Through Time
Have you seen this story map created by Public Works Engineering Technician Bob Sage? It walks you though a series of maps and images that span 150 years so you can easily see the land developments that have taken place in Brisbane and how we got to present day. It's housed on the City's History page, brisbaneca.org/history.
Be Wary of Mosquitoes with this Warm Weather
Did you know that mosquitoes can complete their entire life cycle in as few as 7 days? Warm weather and lack of rain mean stagnant water in storm drains and backyards can quickly breed mosquitoes. San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District would like to remind you to dump or drain any standing water at least once a week. If you notice mosquitoes around your house, call the District or submit an online service request for a technician to investigate the problem and control the mosquitoes.
Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6pm
It was definitely ice cream weather at the Farmers' Market yesterday! Good thing Jolly's Teas Cream is right there!
Get all your fresh produce, hummus, tamales, handcrafted baos, fresh-popped kettlecorn, ice cream, and even hot udon and tempura at Brisbane's weekly Farmers' Market. And if you're wondering if you'll be able to get lobster rolls, tots, or tacos again, rest assured. Cousins Maine Lobster will be returning on February 24th! Thank you for your support of the market!
County adds Carbon Health as COVID-19 Testing Provider at the Event Center
Unfortunately, Curative again needed to cancel their mobile testing site at the Park this past Thursday; all patients with scheduled appointments were notified. We also put up a notice on the signboards letting the community know, along with the link to find alternative testing sites at smcgov.org/testing. New County testing partner, Carbon Health, started operations at the Event Center last week and can accommodate 2,000 people/day. They're offering walk-up PCR testing, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8am - 4pm at no cost to the recipients.
According to the County Health Department's data dashboards, Brisbane has had 540 confirmed historical cases. Brisbane resident Amrit Lall has been keeping track of the historical cases released per week, and let us know that Brisbane recorded 28 new COVID-19 cases this past week. It's 6 more than last week's reported cases, so we all must continue to stay vigilant to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy.
Note: For the continued health and safety of the community and of staff, despite the State and County moving to lift the indoor mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals next Wednesday, February 16th, visitors to City Hall and its facilities will still be required to wear masks for the time-being. Disposable masks are available for those that do not have one with them. Thank you for your cooperation. Also, a reminder of the various services that can be conducted remotely can be found here: brisbaneca.org/online-services.
CA Mortgage Relief Program
The California Mortgage Relief Program is accepting applications and can help homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program covers 100% of unpaid rent and utilities for eligible renters and their landlords who have been impacted by the pandemic. Applying to the program will not impact your residency status or your path to citizenship.
The Brisbane City Council has made $100,000 in rental assistance available to those that need it. Brisbane's Rental Assistance Program is being administered by Samaritan House, with the YMCA Community Resource Center processing the applications. Please call at (650) 276-4101 or send an email at crc@ymcasf.org to get the application process started today!
North County Fire Authority Safety Tips
Annual Lions Club Crustacean Dinner Dance To-Go, February 26
The Brisbane Lions are once again offering a to-go style crustacean dinner (pick-up at Mission Blue between 2-4p), followed up by a virtual DJ dance party, on February 26th. Thank you for supporting the Brisbane Lions Club and all the events they put on to bring the community together, including this one.
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 7:30pm
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - 6:30pm
Did You Know?
Friendly reminder: Express Lanes from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to Whipple Avenue in Redwood City are opening today, Feb. 11. All vehicles will need FasTrak® or FasTrak Flex® to use these new express lanes, which will connect to the new express lanes opening in Santa Clara County. 3+ person carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles will be able to use the lanes for free with a properly set FasTrak Flex® or FasTrak® Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) toll tag.
Recognition of the Week
Don Barksdale was nicknamed "Houdini of the Hardwood." From Oakland, Don was the first African-American basketball player to be named NCAA All-American in 1947, to play on the USA Olympic Men's Basketball Team (dubbed the "I Have a Dream Team") in 1948, and to star in the NBA All-Star Game in 1953. He was inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame in 2012, and his No. 11 Jersey is retired at UCLA. Fun fact: he owned a record store while at UCLA and interacted with Etta James and Nat King Cole.
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Friday, February 18th, 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!