The Library Took Home the People's Choice Award
This past week the AIASF Design Awards program honored 20 projects in the categories of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Unbuilt Design, with commendations in the areas of Historic Preservation, Social Responsibility, Urban Design, and Environmental Campus Design as well as the People's Choice Awards. Congratulations to Siegel & Strain Architects and Karin Payson architecture + design! Many thanks to all who submitted a vote for the Library; collectively, they all paid off!
Open Seats on City Committees: Apply Now
The City of Brisbane is currently recruiting community members interested in serving on the Complete Street Safety Committee and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) Committee. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 5pm.
Apply now for the following Council Commission and Committee seats:
- Complete Streets Safety Committee (3 seats for terms until 2026)
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Committee* (3 seats for one year terms until 2023 )
*Brisbane residents, as well as those who work but don't live in town, are welcome to apply for the IDEA Committee
Grow with us in the City of Stars
Looking to join an excellent organization? We currently have two great opportunities to do so:
North County Fire Authority's May 2022 Newsletter
ICYMI: Funding Awarded for Improved Walkway!
After decades of kids navigating a dirt path between San Benito and Alvarado streets in the middle of town to get to school, and others braving the walk on winding, narrow streets without sidewalks, the City is set to construct a concrete stairway in the utility easement to make walking trips in Central Brisbane easier and safer. The third time must be a charm, because that’s the number of applications city staff made to the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian grant program before finally being awarded funds by San Mateo County City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) last week.
The project was recommended for award by their Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Support for the grant came from the Mothers of Brisbane, the Brisbane School District, the Brisbane Police Officers Association and the Complete Streets Safety Committee, all of whom provided letters of support for the project. Residents’ overwhelming positive responses to the Facebook and Nextdoor polls a couple of years ago also helped illuminate the community support and need for the project.
Staff and consultants will first need to complete the design. After the site is prepared, including relocation of a waterline, construction will commence - forecast to be next summer. The Public Art Advisory Committee has also discussed during their meetings the possibility of adding artistic elements to the new stairway. Stay updated with all of our public meetings and we look forward to the community having this improved walkway for use during the 2022-23 school year.
We thought this was a good place to mention that all public meetings can be played back on our YouTube channel, YouTube.com/BrisbaneCA, with links to all public meeting agendas accessible via the above link. If you come across something that interests you, know you can always join remotely to give the Commissions and Committees your feedback. Or, write in your comments using the emails found on their individual pages. They love hearing from the public!
Closing Out National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month
We didn't want the month to go by without making sure you had the chance to read some of the publication of San Mateo County Poet Laureate, Aileen Cassinetto. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Aileen is an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow, in addition to being the County's Poet Laureate since January of 2019. She's serving as the third (and first Asian-American) Poet Laureate of San Mateo County. Her work has appeared in POETRY magazine, Marsh Hawk Press Review, Fellowship Magazine, and Moria, among others.
Thank you, Aileen, for your boundless energy in elevating poetry among San Mateo County residents this past month!
April also happens to be Jazz Appreciation Month, with the Brisbane Library hosting the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco at 2pm tomorrow, April 30th as part of San Mateo County Libraries' Jazz in the Library program. Catch them in the Library's Courtyard!
MOB Shop is Coming May 6th & 7th
Take the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey
While identifying priorities in 2021, the Parks & Recreation Commission agreed that a community-wide needs assessment would prove to be a valuable tool for future planning. The previous needs assessment survey was conducted in 2017 and given the numerous changes to our daily lives over the past few years, the need to understand community priorities is greater than ever.
The survey strives to identify deficiencies or gaps in services, to outline changing needs and shifting trends, and to gain perspective on how the City can best serve its residents. It will alleviate the need to make assumptions about program/service desires and will ensure that the community plays an integral role in future planning for parks & recreation. Residents are invited to spend a few minutes completing the online survey, however, requests for hard copies of the survey can also be made to the Parks & Recreation Department at (415) 508-2140.
Hydrant Painting & Restoration - Application Extended to May 6th
Club Rec Summer Camp - Sign Up Today!
Summer planning still? Club Rec Summer Camp still has some limited spaces available across its four sessions, so sign up now if interested! This is a full-day camp (8am-5pm) for children entering 1st grade through those entering 6th grade. Each week will feature two swim days at none other than the Community Pool, a field trip, and a special Friday activity based on that week’s theme. Camp is held at the new Brisbane Elementary School Modular located at 500 San Bruno Ave.
Spring/Summer Activity Guide
It's back, (in solely digital form), but you can print the pages you want, if needed! The Parks and Recreation Dept. is pleased to bring you the Spring/Summer 2022 Activity Guide so you can peruse all the upcoming programs and events taking place in town. The most current Activity Guide will be housed here on the Parks and Recreation landing page.
Fall Soccer for Kids Age 4-13
Brisbane AYSO youth soccer registration is now open for their fall 2022 season! Some divisions are filling up quickly, so please register your child ASAP to secure their spot on a team.
AYSO soccer is a fun, exciting program whose main goal is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play the game. No previous soccer experience is needed; the focus is on developing players and cultivating good sportsmanship at all ages. Brisbane AYSO soccer welcomes participants from Brisbane and surrounding areas, and offers generous scholarships for families in need. Cost for the season is $100 and includes player uniform.
E-Bike Basics - Webinar on May 4th!
We're talking all things e-bikes: types of e-bikes, classifications, things to consider when shopping for one, and how to ride safely! The E-Bike Basics webinar is on May 4th at 6pm.
Thinking about getting an e-bike? Wondering about what all the fuss is about? Not sure what kind of e-bike might be right for you? Did you buy an e-bike, but you're feeling a little intimidated about riding it? Join Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for a discussion about e-bikes! Not only are they talking all things e-bikes, but they're giving all webinar attendees the opportunity to win a $25 gift card! This event is sponsored by Peninsula Clean Energy.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training Right Here in Brisbane May 21st, 8:30am-5pm
San Mateo County Mayors Mental Health Initiative invites you to a free in-person training happening right here in Brisbane on Saturday, May 21st from 8:30am-5pm. This training is geared for Adults helping other Adults. Registration is required and will be capped to allow for safe distancing.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use issues. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect people to appropriate support. Learn why this type of training is so important in this video:
High Efficiency Toilet Grants (Includes FREE Toilet Installation) Available
Please reach out to Jessica Lee at (415) 508-2128 or jessicalee@brisbaneca.org if you have any questions about this unique program. These High Efficiency Toilets use less water per flush, conserve water, and will help save on your water bill! Upgrade to a High Efficiency Toilet for Free!
We Still Need to be Water-Wise, Brisbane!
Some neighboring water districts are moving into Stage 2 Drought restrictions; as of today, we're still in a Stage 1 Drought but this could change for us shortly as well. 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.
Speaking of watering, it's so important to keep watering your young and mature trees as we go through this drought. Click on the link(s) that apply to the trees in your yard:
Immigrant Youth Scholarship - Applications Due this Sunday, May 1st
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off Event in SSF Saturday, May 7th
The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program is hosting a drop-off event in South San Francisco on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
To participate, you must schedule an appointment* at San Mateo County’s HHW Program, or by calling (650) 372-6200. The event location will be disclosed once your appointment is confirmed. Residents unable to attend this event can still make an appointment to dispose of household hazardous waste for free at SMC’s permanent HHW facility Thursdays-Saturdays (except major holiday weekends). See a listing of drop off sites here. More information can about HHW events can be found here.
Keep Wild Animals Wild
Over the years we have all been learning more about coyotes after seeing them in broad daylight at times, walking down city streets. It's always an alarming sight seeing them encroach so closely to homes, but according to the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, coyotes are by nature fearful of humans. They also play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control.
So, how can we safely coexist with coyotes? First, we should keep our dogs and cats indoors at night and refrain from leaving pet food bowls out overnight. Coyotes are like dogs and will remember how they got their last easy meal…and will keep returning to get their next. Some other tips from the CA DFWS include:
- Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
- If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
- Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
- Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, etc.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
- Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.
In essence, please respect and protect wild animals. Keep them wild. To report an aggressive coyote, please call dispatch at (415) 467-1212. For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans. See more tips from the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife in their "Keep Me Wild" section of their website.
And if you're having trouble keeping wildlife out of your gray or green carts, you can call SSF Scavenger to request a FREE gravity-locking lid for either cart. Anyone who would like a lock should give Scavenger a call at (650) 589-4020. There's no charge.
Peninsula Family Service Offering Counseling for Adults 55+
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm
Thank you for supporting Brisbane's weekly Farmers' Market! Cousins Maine Lobster was there yesterday for their once-a-month visit. When they provide their date for May, we'll be sure to share it!
Expanded City Hall Hours
City Hall's public walk-in hours beginning next Monday, May 2nd will be: M: 9-4, W: 9-7, Th: 9-4. Building and Planning staff is available on Wednesday's by appointment only. All City Hall staff remain accessible by phone and email; we highly encourage use of our Online Services to keep the community and staff healthy during this time. Masks are still required to be worn at City Hall until further notice. Disposable masks are available if you don't have one.
Curative has re-launched their mobile testing clinic at the Park, and will be here on Thursdays, from 10am-4pm. Sign up for appt. here. Walk-ups are accepted. To receive your results by phone, please call 888-702-9042.
You can find more County-wide testing sites at smcgov.org/testing. As a reminder, U.S. households are able to place additional orders for free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests (4 tests per order) at: special.usps.com/testkits | covidtests.gov/es (Spanish) | covidtests.gov/zh (Chinese)
According to the County Health Department's data dashboards, Brisbane has had 649 confirmed historical cases. Brisbane resident Amrit Lall has been keeping track of the cases released per week, and let us know that Brisbane recorded 12 new COVID-19 cases this past week. We must continue keeping our guard up if we want to get through this pandemic, weary as we may be from it all. The highly contagious Omicron variant and its subvariants, BA.2, BA.2.12 (with North American and European lineages), and BA.2.12.2 (deriving its lineage from the U.S. and Canada), can evade safety measures. Vaccines are proven to be the greatest protection from the risks of severe illness or death from COVID-19. Masking up when near others is also a good idea.
A second Pfizer and Moderna booster dose is now available for people who received their first booster dose at least four months ago. Eligible Californians include people who received their first Pfizer or Moderna booster and are age 50 and up or individuals who are age 12 and up and moderately to severely immunocompromised. The CDC also recommends everyone who received a J&J booster receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster. Talk to your provider about receiving your second booster. You can also visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to find a booster near you.
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 March 31st, but the City’s Rental Assistance Program is still be 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 or crc@ymcasf.org to get the application process started.
CA Mortgage Relief Program Portal Now Accepting Applications
Sustainable San Mateo County’s 23rd Annual Awards Celebration, May 11th
SSMC will honor four local sustainability champions: Each Green Corner, Kalimah Salahuddin, Seamless Bay Area, and Robert Whitehair, along with the 2022 Green Building Award winner, the Marshall Medical Offices on Kaiser Permanente’s Redwood City campus. The All-Electric Leadership Awards, sponsored by Peninsula Clean Energy, will also be announced during the Awards Celebration. SSMC’s Third Annual Virtual Auction will kick off on Wednesday, May 4, and conclude on May 15. Admission to the Awards Celebration is free, but pre-registration is required.
Save the Date: BDW's "OH the Places", May 15th
Save the Date: Wildfire Awareness Event, June 4th
Save the Date: San Mateo County's Anonymous Gun Buyback Program, June 4th
Save the Date: LUNAFEST is June 11th
Public Art Advisory Committee - Tuesday, April 26, 2022 - 4:30pm
Open Space and Ecology Committee Meeting - Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - 6:30pm
Did You Know?
Quote of the week
Today (4/29) happens to be Poem in Your Pocket Day. How fitting is the fact that when we recently asked our employees to submit a favorite poem for our internal newsletter as part of National Poetry Month, one of our Public Works Maintenance Crew Members mentioned hearing or reading once that, "Every man and every woman should have a poem in their pocket" and submitted the following poem. Well, this one's for you, Todd!
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Friday, May 6th, 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!