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Proposed Residential Parking Permit Program Discussion, 3/1
The Complete Streets Safety Committee will be discussing a proposed residential parking permit program recommendation for Central Brisbane to the Brisbane City Council at the Committee's next meeting, Wednesday, March 1st at 6:30pm in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall (50 Park Place, Brisbane). You're invited to attend in-person at City Hall or via Zoom to offer your comments.
Utility Billing News
A letter was recently sent to all utility customers and property owners regarding proposed water and sewer rate increases to offset the cost of water from the SFPUC increasing by 94% since 2012 when the last rate increase went into effect, and sewer treatment charges from the City of San Francisco doubling since that time. For a typical single family home, the total increase after the proposed increases take effect is approximately $47 each bimonthly billing cycle, or about $24 per month. Note: this already takes into account the latest Capital Projects Charge, which became effective on the December 2022 bill.
Translated versions of the letter in Spanish and Chinese are available on the City's Utility Billing webpage, brisbaneca.org/utility-billing. A public hearing at the City Council meeting of April 6, 2023 will be held to hear any written or in-person protests before any rate changes should occur (if enacted, this would be for the billing period starting on June 15 of each year, starting June 15, 2023 (billed in August and covering the period June 15 - August 15). If you have any questions about the proposed increases, which are for the purchase cost of water and the treatment of sewer, please contact Ligia Ferreira in the Utility Billing department at (415) 508-2154.
Look for Your California Climate Credit
Every spring and fall, millions of California residents receive credits on their electric and natural gas bills identified as the “California Climate Credit.” The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. Residential customers of all California investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities should start receiving these credits on bills as early as February and into March. Electric customers will see another credit in October 2023. More information can be found on the California Public Utilities Commission's website.
Please Drive Safely In & Around Brisbane!
Yesterday, during the morning commute, a two-car collision with injuries took place just north of the intersection of Bayshore and Old County. Police responded, as well as Public Works who helps to clean up the roadways following these types of incidents. Please drive safety, taking extra precautions during inclement weather, and remember to treat blacked-out traffic signals as a 4-way stop.
Brisbane Residents 55+ Needed for Focus Groups
At their February 2nd meeting, the City Council directed staff to move forward with working with the Center for Age Friendly Excellence to apply for the Age Friendly Communities certification under the AARP/WHO Network of Age Friendly Communities. Would you like to join a focus group discussion about the unmet needs of older adults in Brisbane? Then please reach out by March 1st to Ann O'Brien at aobrien@cfafe.org or call (650) 522-0877.
A Few More Days Left to Visit the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum
Also at their meeting of February 2, 2023, the Brisbane City Council proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month, calling on the larger community to study Black life, history, and culture, which can be easily accessed through the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and San Mateo County Libraries, and to acknowledge the value African American residents add to the strength, fortitude, and resilience of our City.
The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum, a pop-up museum and all-volunteer effort to educate and inform our communities about Black History, opened February 3rd at 890 Jefferson Ave. in Redwood City and will be open until February 28th from noon until 5pm every day except Mondays. See more information about the museum on their website.
New Art Exhibit at City Hall
Earlier this week, new artwork was hung in the “art gallery” at City Hall, otherwise known as our large conference room. This exhibit was painted by Brisbane resident Shirley Lim, who also teaches watercolor to our Seniors. Shirley’s exhibit will be up through April 24th; stop in to see it during City Hall’s Public Walk-In Hours, which are expanding March 1st to be: M, Tu, Th: 9-4, W: 9-7, F:9-1. Most of these pieces are also viewable on Shirley’s website, limwatercolor.com.
Hiring Summer Recreation Leaders!
The City of Brisbane is currently accepting applications for Recreation Leaders. Under direct supervision, the Recreation Leader implements and facilitates well-rounded programs in youth after-school programs, pre-school program, day camps, sports leagues, and special events at designated recreation facilities. This position involves face-to-face leadership and considerable contact with youth ages 5 to 12 years. If you are interested, apply at brisbaneca.org/jobs!
Open Seats on City Committees: Apply by Wednesday, March 1st
The City of Brisbane is currently recruiting community members interested in serving on the Public Art Advisory Committee and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability Committee (IDEA). The deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday March 1, 2023. Applications are available here or by contacting the City Clerk at (415) 508-2113 or at cityclerk@brisbaneca.org.
Seeking Local Bands for a Special Concerts in the Park Event on 8/6, Applications Due 3/3
The Brisbane Parks & Recreation Commission and Parks and Recreation Department have offered a summer concert series at our Community Park for more than a decade. It has become a summer staple for many residents, and we certainly appreciate the community support as reflected in both event attendance and sponsorships. This year, as determined by a community survey, feedback, and final decision from the Brisbane Parks & Recreation Commission's Concerts in the Park subcommittee, the series will be held on select Fridays in July and select Sundays in August.
One date in the series has been dedicated to local Brisbane bands. The "local bands only" Concert in the Park event will be on Sunday, August 6th from 2-4:30pm. Applicants will be reviewed and there will only be a certain number of bands that will be selected. Apply by Friday, March 3rd.
Take Note: Peninsula Restaurant Week, May 19-21
Peninsula Restaurant Week is happening again this year from May 19-27, and is sure to be an awesome 9 days for restaurants up and down the Peninsula (from Brisbane to Sunnyvale) that will be offering specials during PRW. You may recall seeing 7 Mile House featured during last year's Peninsula Restaurant Week on a CBS news segment.
If you'd like to get involved with PRW as a participating restaurant, please sign up for a webinar they're hosting on March 16th at 10am. Note: the PRW website currently reflects last year's participating restaurants and sponsors.
7 Mile House's Free Offer on the LIVE LOCL App
Speaking of which, 7 Mile House is teaming up with LIVE LOCL to get you rewards! LOCL Members will get Sweet Potato or Garlic Fries with an entrée. Download the app on IOS or Android and start getting rewarded today! Note: this offer is for dine-in only, 1 redemption per table.
Willy Wonka Jr. Production at Lipman Middle School, March 1 & 3
It's been a while since Lipman has been able to offer a live show in their gym! Come join our Lipman students as they experience the delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.
San Mateo 101 Express Lanes - Tolling Begins March 3rd
You may have noticed tolling testing happening on US 101 over the last couple of weeks. Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County are pleased to announce that starting March 3, 2023, the SM 101 (Phase 2) Express Lanes from Whipple Avenue in Redwood City to I-380 in South San Francisco will be open to all FasTrak® Flex users. Portions of 101 in Redwood City to CA-237 in Santa Clara County have already opened express lanes. Here are a few remidners of how these lanes work:
- San Mateo 101 Express Lanes (as well as other Bay Area Highways I-580, I-680, I-880, CA-237 that have Express Lanes) operate from Mondays-Fridays 5am-8pm. Evenings & Weekends are free for all motorists.
- Vehicles with 3+ passengers (HOV3+) & motorcycles ride FREE with FasTrak® Flex.
- HOV2+ & Solo Clean Air Vehicles can pay a 50% discounted toll with FasTrak® Flex or FasTrak® CAV
- Solo drivers must pay the full toll to ride in these lanes with any FasTrak®
Community Transportation Benefits Program
The Community Transportation Benefits Program helps cover transportation costs for qualifying individuals in San Mateo County. You can receive a $100 Transit Credit on a Clipper Card or $100 Toll Credit on a FasTrak Transponder®. Apply today!
To qualify, you must meet 3 qualifications:
- A resident of San Mateo County
- Age 18 or older
- Earning an Individual Income at or below $78,300 for 2022.
Caltrain Weekend Service Shutdowns
To finish critical Electrification construction and testing in time to begin passenger service in 2024, Caltrain will be suspending rail service in select areas on weekends throughout the year between San Francisco and Millbrae. The first shutdown occurred Feb. 11-12, with the next weekends being: Feb. 25-26, Mar. 4-5, and Mar. 10-11. Bus bridge service will be available to Caltrain-dependent riders, but passengers should expect delays and longer travel times. Visit caltrain.com/status for the latest information about weekend impacts. Weekday service will not be impacted. For more info about Caltrain’s weekday schedule, visit caltrain.com/schedules.
Free Caltrain Pass for San Mateo County Eligible Residents
Commute.org and Caltrain have partnered to offer up to 300 special passes to eligible San Mateo County residents so they can be introduced to the transportation system and ride with ease up and down the Peninsula. A Go Pass allows one to ride on Caltrain for free. Check your eligibility here and apply!
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off event in SSF Saturday, March 4
The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program is hosting a drop-off event in South San Francisco on Saturday, March 4, 9am-12pm. All waste collected is reused, recycled, or stabilized for proper disposal to achieve zero waste and prevent any items from going to the landfill and contaminating our water and soil. This event is open to all who live in San Mateo County.
To participate, you must schedule an appointment at San Mateo County’s HHW Program: smchealth.org/hhw-appt or by calling (650) 372-6200. Residents unable to attend this event can dispose of household hazardous waste for free at San Mateo County’s permanent HHW facility Thursdays-Saturdays (except major holiday weekends).
Enjoy Yoga Every Monday at the Brisbane Library
Interested in learning how to do yoga or already have a practice and want to join others in your community? Join Ted Harvey in this yoga workshop every Monday, 6:30-7:30pm at the Brisbane Library. The first session starts on Monday, February 27th. Register for your spot (there's just a few of them left)!
It's Important to Start the Conversation
It’s difficult to have a conversation with someone you’re worried might have a problem with opioids or other substances, especially if it is someone you have a close relationship with, such as a roommate, teammate, classmate, or friend but it’s important to start the conversation. They may not be ready to talk, but you can be prepared to help when they are. Free, confidential, 24/7 support is available at 1-800-662-4357. Find local treatment services.
HIP Housing’s February 2023 Home Sharing Flyers
Human Investment Project Housing (HIP Housing) is a non-profit organization based in San Mateo County that specializes in affordable and creative housing solutions. Each year, HIP Housing helps 1,400 people find housing or keep their homes through our Home Sharing, Self Sufficiency, and Property Development Programs. Read the latest February 2023 Home Sharing Flyers from HIP Housing. Learn more about HIP Housing at hiphousing.org.
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6pm
Thank you to the brave vendors for showing up, and our equally brave shoppers, for their support at yesterday's farmers' market.
- Mountain Fresh (produce)
- Villanueva Fruits
- Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn
- California Bakeshop
- California's Crêpe
- Hummus Heaven
- James Healey Confections
- Kunugi Noodle
- Roadside Rotisserie
- Spring Hill Jersey Cheese
Holi Festival of Color, March 8th
Welcome the beginning of spring with Hindu Festival of Colors, Holi! Join staff from the Brisbane Library, City, and IDEA Committee Members at Community Park at 3:30pm on Wednesday, March 8th for color throwing with gulal (powdered paint) and make a beautiful mess with your friends. You may want to bring towel or extra clothes. The Library will also have some colorful craft activities that day.
COVID-19 Community Updates
The COVID-19 State of Emergency in California is ending on February 28, 2023, allowing people to respond to the threat of the virus on an individual level using the tools that are in place to continue fighting COVID-19, including masking, vaccines and boosters, testing, and treatments. The end of the federal state of emergency on May 11, however, will shift COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments into the commercial market, with many people picking up at least some of the costs depending on their health insurance. NOW is the best time to get vaccinated and boosted if you haven't already! There's a great opportunity happening in So. San Francisco on February 27th at Spruce Elementary.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California State Water Resources Control Board together are coordinating with several wastewater utilities, local health departments, universities, and laboratories in California on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
View the latest reportings via the State’s wastewater surveillance dashboard, which provides useful data about the local prevalence of the disease. This dashboard is updated daily, Monday–Friday as new data are available, by 5:30pm.
Visit covid.gov/tests to order tests for your household. At-home test kits can be directly ordered from healthcare providers, including Medi-Cal patients, Kaiser, Aetna, Blue Shield, etc.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
The State’s Housing is Key program to assist renters and landlords with rent and utility payments came to a close last March, but the City’s Rental Assistance Program is still available; the Brisbane City Council has made $100,000 in rental assistance available to those that need it. Contact the Community Resource Center of the YMCA at (650) 276-4101 ext. 4, or email them at crc@ymcasf.org to get the application process started.
Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, February 22, 6:30pm
Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, February 23, 7:30pm
Did You Know?
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Friday, March 3rd, 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!