March is Women's History Month
The 2022 theme for Women's History Month is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." This theme is "both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history." Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields (Source: womenshistorymonth.gov/about).
At their March 17, 2022 meeting, the Brisbane City Council will be offering their own Proclamation, as they proclaim March as Women's History Month in the City of Brisbane.
Tuesday, March 8th, was International Women's Day (IWD). IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. This year's IWD theme is #BreakTheBias. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. Together, through collective action, we can break the bias. If we're going to strive to live in a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discriminations, it's going to take a concerted effort of all of us working together. Read more about IWD at internationalwomensday.com.
Have you heard of the Mothers of Brisbane, aka the MOB? They are a force to be reckoned with! Kidding aside...the MOB is a non-profit organization dedicated to parents and families in Brisbane and neighboring communities, and they're looking for new leadership! This is an exciting opportunity to give back to your community while helping families in Brisbane and beyond. Their current Co-Presidents, Michelle Woodruff and June Heaver, have shepherded the MOB for 5+ years, and are asking moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers to consider stepping up in this leadership role. This would include overseeing (and shopping early!) at the MOB Shop, which was recently rescheduled to May 6 & 7, keeping the traditions of the MOB alive such as the Spring Egg Hunt and meal support, not to mention the opportunity to create fun, new activities for families!
Finally, San Mateo County Libraries has a staff-curated list of books about all sorts of women who have been trailblazers and made positive changes in our world. Check it out on smcl.org here! And if you're into audiobooks, music, and movies, you can browse all the titles available through San Mateo County Libraries for free using the Hoopla app. Download it today; you just need your library card number to get started.
We Continue to Stand in Solidarity with Ukraine
There have been horrific news stories this week coming out of Ukraine, and our hearts have been heavy. We continue to condemn the violence and suffering inflicted on the people of Ukraine and call for this conflict to cease.
Grow with Us in the City of Stars
The City of Brisbane, in partnership with North County Fire Authority, is currently recruiting for a Firefighter/Paramedic. Some responsibilities include: provides medical services at the EMT-P level; performs all the duties of a Firefighter, including responding to fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and other emergency and non-emergency situations; participates in all other suppression, prevention, inspection, education, and related activities to protect life and property; and operates and maintains firefighting apparatus and equipment.
We are also currently recruiting for a Recreation Supervisor. The Recreation Supervisor plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and participates in the work of staff providing a variety of recreation programs for youth, teens, adults, and seniors, which may include preschool and school-age childcare sites with programs for children, a senior center site and related programs, aquatic and sports programs, various recreational special projects, summer programs, and City-wide special events on a year-round basis for all ages. Applications for this position are being accepted until 5pm next Friday, March 18th.
Root Migration Attributing to Rough Road Conditions at Sierra Point
If you’ve driven on Marina Blvd lately, you probably noticed the roadway conditions haven’t been the smoothest. This is due to root migration of 44 trees that were planted along Marina Blvd.; the asphalt adjacent to the curb and median has become compromised from the trees’ roots. The roadway is in such poor condition that signs such as this were put up by Public Works several months ago to warn drivers:
The 44 trees are comprised of two species - 25 New Zealand Christmas Trees and 19 Italian Stone Pines. They've been tagged by the arborist with a numerically coded metal tag, with tag numbers starting at #211.
The developer at 3500 Marina, Phase3, is beginning installation of the offsite waterline in Marina Blvd., and the only available corridor for this line places it in direct conflict with the roots of the 44 trees. Each of the trees were reviewed by Certified Arborist and Urban Forester, Pam Nagle of HortScience, and determined to be of either low or moderate value in their current state. Certainly, if these trees were of high value, they would be relocated during the construction of the waterline and replanted there or elsewhere within the City.
Also prior to allowing any removal, the City required the creation of a replanting plan for all the trees and displaced groundcover. Concurrently, the City is working on getting a maintenance agreement in place to ensure the newly-planted trees at this site establish themselves and are healthy. The tree replanting plan will be presented to the Open Space and Ecology Committee at their meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd, with implementation scheduled for the fall or winter of this year.
We look forward to seeing these new trees in place that will be more suitable for the area, and the roadway.
Reminder: Expansion of Hours at San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries announced last week an expansion of hours which started Sunday, March 6. They've returned to 7-day-a-week service for most locations, meaning more accessible, equitable library hours for community members to enjoy. Expanded hours are:
- Monday-Thursday, 10 AM-8 PM
- Friday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
New, In-Person Class for Adults at the Library!
The library is offering an introductory Chinese Calligraphy class with Jojo Liu this Saturday, March 12 at 2pm at the Brisbane Library. This is their first in-person class for adults since the start of the pandemic! REGISTER and learn traditional Chinese calligraphy basics including holding a brush and writing basic strokes, Tiger (Year of the Tiger), and New Year’s sayings!
Scoping Meeting for Sierra Point Towers: March 15
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Sierra Point Towers Project has been released. The project includes demolition of the existing parking garage and surface parking lots on the project site located at 2000 Sierra Point Parkway and 8000 Marina Boulevard and construction of two new office/life science buildings, an amenity building, and a new parking garage. The two existing office buildings on the project site would be retained and incorporated into the site design to create a life science campus.
A virtual scoping meeting will be held on March 15, 2022, at 7pm to solicit input from the public and agencies on specific topics they believe should be addressed in the environmental analysis. Written comments and suggestions as to the appropriate scope of analysis in the EIR are invited from all interested parties and can be provided during the scoping meeting or directed to Kelly Beggs via email at kbeggs@brisbaneca.org by 5pm on March 29, 2022.
Fire in the Ring Boxing Club: Supporting At-Risk Youth
The Fire in the Ring Boxing Club is a non-profit youth organization dedicated to providing a positive outlet for the youth of Brisbane and San Francisco. It's where now-pro boxer Charlie Sheehy started boxing and just last Friday, he won his first fight after signing on with Top Rank Boxing (Go, Team Sheehy)! Check out this video put together by our Communications staff:
Look for a Resident Spotlight in the April STAR of Mark Cianci and Jimi Sosa, who have been volunteering to raise support for FITR and offer free coaching. In the meantime, if you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution to FITR, or get signed up for classes, please email FireInTheRingBoxingInc@gmail.com or stop by the gym at 180 Industrial Way, Brisbane.
Regional Transit Network Announcement
Earlier this week, Commute.org announced it had has joined forces with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and four other transit agencies across the Bay Area to create one large regional transit network. This merge was created to give more carpool/vanpool services to people who have longer commutes between counties. The new network provides important benefits for carpoolers who might come to work or school from outside San Mateo County so that they have access to more ridesharing services, as well as double the transportation resources, challenges, and incentives for logging a sustainable commute. Read the Commute.org blog post and the MTC Press Release to learn more.
Peninsula Clean Energy Recruiting for Citizens Advisory Committee
Serving as liaisons to the community, Citizens Advisory Committee members contribute to Peninsula Clean Energy’s mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by expanding access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Individuals who live or work in San Mateo County are eligible to apply. The last day to apply is March 31st.
Interested in buying an EV? Now is your chance to try it out before you buy it. Take a drive in an electric vehicle (EV) on us! Peninsula Clean Energy is offering a rebate of up to $200 for San Mateo County residents to rent an electric vehicle (EV).
Let's Be Water-Wise, Brisbane!
Despite winter rains and snow, we are still in a Stage 1 Drought. Our water supply remains uncertain if dry conditions persist and the State of California takes actions that impact our ability to access our stored water. Whether you are a renter, homeowner, or business, the SFPUC, which is our water wholesaler, has tips and resources to help preserve this precious resource.
Request a Green Compost Bin from SSF Scavenger
Offices, retailers, restaurants, hotels, labs and other commercial, government and industrial facilities must comply. Local businesses are encouraged to contact SSF Scavenger at (650) 589-4020 to arrange a green bin. Learn more at calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp and ssfscavenger.com.
Brisbane Residents: Register for Spring Swim Lessons Starting March 15th
Immigrant Inclusion Survey
Do any of these reasons make it difficult for you to access City or County services?
- I don't understand English well
- I don't have access to an interpreter
- I don't have access to internet-connected devices (like a computer, smart phone, laptop, tablet)
The County of San Mateo has launched a survey in 12 languages to help assess services and learn what’s needed from our immigrant community. All responses to the survey questions are anonymous and confidential — no identifying personal information will be asked or needed. Survey closes March 20.
Democracy Needs You! Election Workers Needed!
Artists' Evening of Sharing - March 19th at 7pm!
Each year, the City of Brisbane invites local artists to share their work with the Brisbane public at the Artists' Evening of Sharing. At this annual event, Brisbane artists will present music, theater, dance, images of visual artwork, photography, and film. This showcase of Brisbane’s diverse artists and provides an opportunity for our community to follow the rich diversity and depth of talent in our town. It encourages an exchange of ideas about art and fosters new relationships and creative collaborations.
This year's event will take place VIRTUALLY on Saturday, March 19th at 7pm, with Beth Grossman back as the Master of Ceremonies. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and Comcast Ch. 27. It will also be uploaded to YouTube & Facebook after the live show is complete.
Apply for a Permit Online
The pandemic resulted in a variety of operational pivots being made. One of those was the Community Development Department beginning to take all submittals for Building and/or Planning Applications fully electronically. From the GreenVue Permit Center, you can also view your property's permit activity (from 2012 and on), estimate building permit fees, or file a code enforcement complaint. If you'd like to come to City Hall to file your application in-person, there are now two stations to do just that! Staff is able to view what the public sees on their end, so can easily guide one through the process if necessary. Please visit during our public walk-in hours, which expanded last week to Mondays and Thursdays: 9am-4pm. You can also view your property's permits that were granted prior to 2012 at this time. Masks are required if coming in-person for anyone over the age of two. Thank you for your cooperation!
Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm
Find fresh produce, hummus, tamales, handcrafted baos, fresh-popped kettlecorn, delicious Japanese food, and ice cream at Brisbane's weekly Farmers' Market. And as of yesterday, the market has a bakery once again! California Bakeshop arrived with fresh empanadas (kalua pork and chicken), artisan breads, cookies, and croissants! They will be bringing more next week and were overwhelmed with the community's support on their first week!
Note: with Daylight Savings Time beginning this weekend, the market will switch to operating a bit later, from 3-7pm, starting next Thursday, March 17th!
New City Hall Hours as of March 1st
City Hall is now open two (2) days/week on Mondays from 9am-4pm, and Thursdays from 9am-4pm. Staff remains accessible by phone and email; we highly encourage use of our Online Services to keep the community and staff healthy during this time. As a reminder, masks are still required to be worn at City Hall until further notice. Disposable masks are available if you don't have one. Thank you for your cooperation!
Curative hopes to offer testing again in Brisbane soon. You can find alternative testing sites at smcgov.org/testing. They're offering walk-up PCR testing, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8am - 4pm, at no cost to the recipients.
U.S. households are now able to place additional orders for free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests (4 tests per order) at: special.usps.com/testkits.
According to the County Health Department's data dashboards, Brisbane has had 606 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 only 3 new COVID-19 cases this past week. We are trending in the right direction, but we shouldn't let down our guard as we continue to see signs of life returning to "normal" around us.
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!
Save the Date: HIP Housing Celebrating 50 Years May 12th
HIP Housing is celebrating 50 years! Join them in-person for an intimate fireside chat with special guest speaker, LeVar Burton, and for tributes to HIP Housing founder, Lois Almen Everett, and long-time agency supporter, Congresswoman Jackie Speier. They'll also have great client stories, exciting auction items, and tasty libations, so stay tuned! Tickets go on sale in mid-March.
Public Art Advisory Committee - Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:30pm
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, March 10, 2022 - 7:30pm
Did You Know?
Coyotes are not an unusual sight in town, but seeing one so close to civilization can be a bit surprising. They come closer during seasons of drought looking for food and water. And if you're leaving pet food bowls out at night, or not picking up fallen fruit from your fruit trees, you're inviting them to come closer! To keep our pets safe, please refrain from doing these two things. It's also advised to bring pet food bowls in at night because canine distemper disease was circulating amongst wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and coyotes throughout the state in 2020, and can be passed to unvaccinated dogs and even cats by sharing food bowls. Though the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife have not yet confirmed that canine distemper is the cause of the various fox, raccoon, skunk mortalities in San Francisco and some other areas around the Bay Area region, they would like to know if you should come across any dead wildlife on your property to test for distemper. Please call their Wildlife Investigations Laboratory at (916) 358-2790 to report any carcasses, or should you have any questions regarding distemper in wildlife or concerns about sick animals.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Friday, March 18th, in the afternoon. Stay warm this weekend! 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!