Launching...Betsy! Brisbane's Official Online Merch Shop
What started off as an idea by Communications Intern Grace Baldwin to recoup existing costs for the ever-popular Brisbane hats, which we have been giving away for the past two years since the City's 60th Anniversary and Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the Brisbane Library, has become an official online shop on Etsy. Brisbane's Etsy shop, otherwise known as Betsy, is where you can find apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and including youth and kids/toddlers sizes), stickers/pins, cups/mugs, tote bags, and more, and in all different colors! ** Special Launch Deal - For the month of August, everyone who shops on Betsy will receive an automatic 15% off! **
City's Low-Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program
As a reminder, at the April 20, 2023 City Council Meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2023-17, increasing the charges for water and sewer services and setting the discount rate for the City’s Low Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) plan at 25% for all services. The new rates, which cover the increasing cost of service, simplify the former rate structures, and better promote equity among customers, became effective on June 15, 2023 and will be reflected on the August bill.
This August bill captures the June 15th – August 15th billing cycle, and will be sent out the last week of August (due Thursday, October 5, 2023). Learn if you qualify for LIRA at brisbaneca.org/lira or the State’s Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIWAP) at csd.ca.gov/waterbill. The State’s LIWAP Referrals Portal is available at taphelp.org (to begin the application process, please complete and submit the form found on that webpage). Should you have any questions about your bill or the new rates, FAQs are available on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/utility-billing. To speak with a staff member, please reach out to Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 or email her at lferreira@brisbaneca.org.
Housing Resources Are Available
You may have seen an article in the August STAR about there being housing resources available on the City's website.
In May of this year, the City of Brisbane became one of just two cities in San Mateo County that received certification of its 2023-2031 Housing Element from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. While that was a significant milestone, it only marks the beginning of our shared housing story here in Brisbane for this eight-year Housing Element planning period. The Housing Element includes a number of housing programs, ranging from those aimed at facilitating the development of new housing to improving our communication with the community on the various resources and opportunities that are already available. One of the first programs is the creation of a new webpage to share housing resources for tenants, homeowners, and landlords in Brisbane. Housing resources may now be found at brisbaneca.org/housing-resources. Resources included on this webpage are:
- Fair housing resources for tenants and landlords, including: Legal and mediation services; and How to report unsafe living conditions and/or discrimination
- How to find affordable housing
- Healthy homes information
- Rental unit habitability
- Housing rehabilitation and repair programs
- How to connect to senior housing
- Tenant and landlord relations
- Emergency housing and human services
Staff will continue to update this webpage over time, so we encourage you to check back. If you have questions or need more information about any of these topics, or other housing topics or concerns that aren’t yet covered, please reach out to the Community Development Department: brisbaneca.org/CD-Contact-Form. You may also call staff at City Hall at (415) 508-2120 or mail your questions or comments to: Community Development Department, City of Brisbane, 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005
Join Councilmember Mackin for "TOPICS THAT MATTER"
Councilmember Mackin invites interested residents to join her for a monthly discussion group starting in August! This first discussion group will be held on Wednesday, August 16th, from 6 - 7:30pm at City Hall in the Community Meeting Room. The topic will be, "DISTRACTED DRIVERS": How can we make our streets safer? Come and share your thoughts and ideas!
Senior Day to Sonoma County Fair
Last Friday, eight seniors and Parks and Recreation Coordinator Sara Nahass took a drive to Santa Rosa to enjoy Senior Day at the Sonoma County Fair. The weather was beautiful and the company and conversations were even better! The Parks and Recreation Dept. is currently finalizing fall senior trips; keep an eye out for registration details, coming soon!
Last Concerts in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 13 with The Houserockers
Brisbane Local Bands was a lot of fun last Sunday; be sure to come to the next (and last) Concert on Sunday, August 13th at 2pm with The Houserockers! Thanks to all our Concert Sponsors for making the series possible, and the Parks and Rec staff for them running so smoothly all Summer long.
Remember to get your Julie's pre-orders in for pick-up in the Park, and stop by the Lions BBQ area where hotdogs will be served up! And please heed the No Parking signs near the curve on Old County to keep the roadway safe.
Day in the Park Call for Vendors!
Parks and Rec is accepting vendor applications for the annual Day in the Park event on October 7, 2023. Vendor applications are due by Friday, September 8th, no exceptions. The event will be hosted in Brisbane at the Community Park. This event is family-friendly, with free admission and free parking. Vendor applications can be found here. For more information or with questions pertaining to the event, please email Ricardo directly at rmonroy@brisbaneca.org.
Adult Oil Painting Class with Michael Rodman Starts Aug. 17
As of today, 6 slots are available for Michael Rodman’s next Adult Oil Painting Class. This is the only class of its kind in the SF Peninsula…and it’s offered right here in Brisbane! Classes start next Thursday, on August 17th and go through September 21st (6 sessions). Enjoy a relaxing evening painting from 6-8:30pm at Mission Blue, with supplies provided at the first two classes for all first-time students! Sharing oil supplies and carpooling with a friend is highly recommended. And we should add that this class is designed for beginning oil painters and emerging artists who want to try their hand at oil painting. Gone are the days of smelly oil paints, as manufacturers now offer solvent-free thinners and cadmium-free paints. Register at brisbaneca.org/paint (Resident fee: $260 | Non-resident: $308). Hope you can join Michael’s next oil painting class offering!
Now Hiring: Fall Recreation Leaders & Preschool Staff
2023-24 Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Application Now Available
Attention 7th-12th graders living or attending school in Brisbane! You are eligible to apply for the Youth Advisory Committee for the 2023-24 school year. To learn more about Brisbane’s YAC, visit brisbaneca.org/YAC. We are accepting applications until Monday, August 14th at 9am.
Pickleball Annoucements!
Did you know that 8/8 was National Pickleball Day? In honor of the fast-growing sport with the funny name, our Department is announcing that starting Aug 23rd-October 25th on Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm there will be designated Pickleball time at Mission Blue Tennis Courts. FREE. Staff will be placing temporary pickleball lines on the courts. During this time, pickleball can be played on the courts on a first come, first serve basis. No additional supplies or instruction will be provided. Parks and Rec looks forward to testing this out and appreciates the community in advance for their participation and cooperation.
And in the meantime, check out the final two weeks of Drop-In Pickleball at Lipman Middle School, every Tuesday and Thursday through 8/17. $5 drop-in fee.
Upcoming Events at the Library
Learn Zydeco with Andre Thierry - Saturday, August 12th, 2-3pm
Andre Thierry has performed at our Concerts in the Park Series in the past, and on Saturday will be at the Brisbane Library! His music program for children & families shares a mix of African, Native American Blues, and French Creole dance melodies with elements of Afro-Caribbean music. Come dance, play, and learn about the rubboards, drums, and accordion; all popular Zydeco instruments.
Community Needs Survey - Tell the County Where Measure K Dollars Are Needed
The County of San Mateo yesterday announced a series of listening sessions along with a survey to hear directly from residents about their needs in four key areas. Residents are invited to share their experiences and needs on issues of housing and homelessness, children and families, emergency preparedness, and mental health. Start by taking the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Simplified Chinese.
'Civics 101' with San Mateo County - Now Enrolling
Civics 101, a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances, and initiatives, will be held on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings at the Regional Operation Center, from 6 to 8:30pm, from August 30th through October 25th. Attendees will hear from various County departments and leaders, from the Sheriff’s Office to the Office of Sustainability. Sessions include a K-9 demonstration, mock trial on Justice System night, and an optional and guided light hike on Edgewood Trail in Redwood City with a ranger.
Embark on a Virtual Tour of San Mateo County’s 911 Dispatch Center
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.
Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan (LSRP) Virtual Kick-Off Meeting Thursday, Aug. 10th
C/CAG is developing a Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan (LSRP) to improve motorist, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety on local streets and roads throughout San Mateo County. Every year, people are killed or seriously injured due to speeding, running red lights, and other factors that put other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk. Development of a LRSP will help San Mateo County get funding to build roadway improvements that will positively impact everyone residing in and traveling through San Mateo County, especially the most vulnerable communities. Visit the project webpage for upcoming public meetings, pop-up events, and other ways to get involved in the development of the Countywide LSRP, starting with a virtual kick-off meeting next Thursday via Zoom:
- Thursday, August 10th at 6pm
- Dial-in: +1 669 900 6833
- Webinar ID: 889 9594 9131
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://bit.ly/3Q4MEDa
Brisbane Community Night at the Giants Game is this Friday, Aug. 11
There are still 9 tickets left for this Friday's Giants game against the Texas Rangers at 7:15pm!
Mosquito District's Open House Saturday, Aug. 12
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District is hosting an Open House on Saturday, August 12, from noon-4pm at 1351 Rollins Road in Burlingame. Visit to learn more about how your tax dollars pay for mosquito control, yellowjacket nest treatment, and other services. The event will be family-friendly, with activities for all ages. Learn more at: smcmvcd.org/open-house.
Final Walking Group to San Bruno Mountain Aug. 21, 9am
Brisbane Garden Show, Aug. 26
The Garden Show is taking place Saturday, August 26th at the Brisbane Library! All contestants MUST submit an entry form by August 23, 2023! Visit brisbaneca.org/garden for more details or to submit an entry form! Here's the event schedule:
- 10am - 11am - Submission Drop-off
- 11am - 12pm - Judges Deliberation
- 12pm - 3pm - Open Showroom & Results Announcement
- 3pm - 4pm - Submission Pick-up
National Farmers Market Week Aug. 6-12
Now in its 24th year, National Farmers Market Week (August 6-12, 2023) is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role farmers' markets play in our nation’s food system. This year, USDA is especially excited to celebrate the week and showcase their new efforts to support small to mid-sized farmers and regional food systems, including farmers markets. Support the County's farmers' markets, and find your closest u-pick farms and food hubs on the USDA's Food Portal.
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
- Roadside Rotisserie
- Medina Berry Farms
- Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
COVID Community Updates
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:
Everyone ages 65+ and certain immunocompromised people are now eligible for an additional bivalent dose, with appointments now readily available. Find an appointment near you at vaccines.gov.
Visit covid.gov/tests to order tests for your household. Because the public health emergency ended, coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. At-home test kits may be directly ordered from healthcare providers, including Medi-Cal patients, Kaiser, Aetna, Blue Shield, etc. If you're uninsured, there’s a stockpile of free tests; use this search tool to find a location.
Note: expiration ranges from 6 months - 2 years, depending on the brand. The date on the box may be incorrect, as the FDA later extended dates. Here is an updated list to see if it’s still good.
Complete Streets Safety Committee Meeting - Wednesday, August 2, 6:30pm
Did You Know?
The City of Brisbane has a Flag Display Schedule calendar on the IDEA Committee's page. Visit brisbaneca.org/idea to view the entire flag schedule.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, August 16th, 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!