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The Blast City Manager Holstine's Weekly Update | July 5, 2023

No Reports of Fireworks in Brisbane!

Last night, fireworks could be heard (and seen) in Visitacion Valley, but there were no such incidents in Brisbane. Thanks to everyone for adhering to the law and keeping Brisbane fire-safe!

One More Proclamation for Sgt. Blunt

Last week, Councilmember Cunningham and Comms. Manager Cheung had the special privilege of wishing longtime Brisbane resident, Sgt. Charles E. “Chuck” Blunt a Happy 100th birthday. Chuck served in the Army during WWII, in the 19th Infantry Regiment, whose war decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (with an oak leaf cluster for being wounded a second time), the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the American Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and last but not least, the Good Conduct Medal Ribbon.

In addition to the above Proclamation from Senator Becker’s office, which will be delivered tomorrow morning, Sgt. Blunt also received Proclamations from Assemblymember Diane Papan and Supervisor David Canepa’s offices. Pictured below are a few photos of Chuck and his wife of 68 years, Helen, at the 2018 and 2019 Veterans Flag-Raising at the Park.

Sgt. Blunt (left) photographed with Sgt. Jugawieski and Sgt. Irwin, Goodenough Island, south of New Guinea, Feb. 1944
Chuck showing the late Roy Peters, also a WWII veteran, his war decorations at the 2015 Flag-Raising event that took place outside City Hall.

Happy 100th Birthday, Sgt. Chuck Blunt! Thank you so much for your sacrifice, bravery, and service in defending our nation's freedoms! We salute you!

Phishing Email Scams On the Rise

Earlier today, an email went out from our Brisbane Building Efficiency Program email that asked for payment to be remitted. The email was unfortunately the target of an email phishing scam and should be deleted. If you received that email, please do not click on any of the links and send the email to your trash. If your email client allows, you can also report the email as junk or spam.

We apologize for this email going out; Our IT Administrator is working on increasing security for this email account so that this incident doesn't happen again. Thank you to the quick reporting from a resident who received this email with the hope that their fellow residents don't fall prey to phishing!

Duplicate Water Bills?

The following was NOT a phishing attempt, but simply an honest printing mistake. Last week, roughly 100 duplicate utility bills were sent to customers. Note: the energy benchmarking software used for the Building Efficiency Program is in no way connected to our water billing software, so no action is needed from utility customers...except disregarding one of the bills and paying the other by the August 7, 2023 due date. If you should have any questions, please reach out to Utility Billing at (415) 508-2154. Thank you.

VIDEO: Secret Garden Tour Recap

On June 10th, neighbors opened up their homes for the near-100 people who had signed up for the Parks and Recreation Department's Secret Garden Tour. A "garden tour" was an idea which resident Sue Cochran had thought about for many years, and we're so glad it grew legs with the Parks and Recreation Commission, notably Commissioner Leesa Greenlee who worked with staff on this year's tour. Commissioner Kern was also in attendance, helping at the check-in table, and Commissioner Seawell lent his filmmaking expertise to capture all the gardens, including commentary from those that tend to them. Please enjoy the above short film which was edited by our Communications Coordinator.

July is National Parks & Recreation Month

View the Park and Rec Month Calendar larger here on the City's website

It's July, which means it's National Parks and Rec Month! Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. This year's theme - “Where Community Grows” - celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of our communities. Take a look at the activities taking place in town all month, some you already know, like Tech Help each Wednesday at 4pm from the YAC in the Sunrise Room, and some new and exciting ones just for July, like Picnic at the Park on Thursdays, from 4-6pm! Come shop the market and enjoy the goods with your friends and neighbors.

Shuttle Passes & Decals Not Needed Currently for Commuter Shuttles

To encourage more residents to use public transportation, Commute.org, which operates the two commuter shuttles in town, is not requiring riders to show shuttle passes or have the current decals on their passes right now. Take these shuttles to the Balboa BART Station or the Bayshore Caltrain Station. We will update residents when and if they decide to enforce the passes in the future. If they do, it just requires a quick trip to the Finance Counter with proof of residency to get a pass.

Nominations Being Taken for Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year!

Do you know someone who has tirelessly given their time for the betterment of the community? We want to hear about them! Please send your submissions for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year AND Youth Volunteer of the Year to Noreen Leek at nleek@brisbaneca.org These special individuals will be announced at the 2023 Day in the Park event, taking place this year on Saturday, October 7th.

AYSO Fall Registration is Open

Registration for AYSO fall soccer in Brisbane is open until July 31st, but some divisions are already filling up quickly! 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. Email brisbaneayso@gmail.com for more information. Registration information and more details available at brisbanesoccer.org

Call for Entries - Design a County Park Poster!

In celebration of the San Mateo County Park Foundation’s 25th anniversary and San Mateo County Parks’ centennial, the Parks Foundation seeks three professional or emerging artists to create the first three San Mateo County Park posters. The entry deadline is July 14, and selected artists will receive a $2,500 commission for their work, paid in 2 installments. Learn more here: supportparks.org

Join the San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Are you passionate about walking and biking in your community? Would you like to become more involved in improving conditions to support bicycling and walking in unincorporated San Mateo County? The San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is looking for one resident of Supervisorial Districts 1, 2, 3, or 5 to join the BPAC representing the interests of older adults. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 28, at 5pm. Learn more and apply here.

2023 Concerts in the Park News!

The Brisbane Parks and Recreation Department is trying some new things this year for the Summer Concerts Series. One of them is time-sensitive, as the concerts kick off next Friday!

First and foremost, the lineup!

Would you and a group of neighbors be interested watching the Concerts from the comfort of a cabana? Parks and Rec is piloting a cabana section at the Concerts in the Park series on select dates! If you're interested, please fill out the following interest form asap.

Julie’s Liquor & Deli will be providing Pre-Order/Pre-Pay food options for 5% off! This means that Concerts in the Park attendees will be able to pre-order and pick up their food at the Park (on all of the Concert dates except for 7/21). Your dinner will be waiting for you with your name on it! In addition, Julie’s will also sell pre-made sandwiches, salads, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks at the Park, for those who did not pre-order in advance. Julie’s will also have alcohol for purchase at the deli. They will also have “Cutty Bangs” (bags of drink mixes that you can purchase and mix with your alcohol of choice). For the concert days only, Julie’s will be providing 5% off all alcoholic beverages.

Are You Signed Up for Flex Alerts?

Flex Alerts are voluntary calls for energy conservation that include simple steps such as turning off lights and avoiding use of major appliances. In times of stress on the power grid, you will get a message notifying you when to conserve electricity. We had some warmer temps over the weekend, and will likely experience more of those as we head further into summer.

And in case you haven't heard, the California Public Utilities Commission created a new incentive, the Emergency Load Reduction program that compensates consumers who reduce their electricity use when a Flex Alert is in effect. Pacific, Gas, and Electric (PG&E) manages a program called Power Saver Rewards for their customers. Learn more about how to participate in this program, and click the button below to get signed up for Flex Alert Notifications.

HIP Housing's Home Sharing Program

HIP Housing's Home Sharing Program helps match individuals seeking housing with people who have a room or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to rent. A Home Provider is matched with a Home Seeker who exchanges household duties for reduced rent.

Drop-In Pickleball Every Tuesday & Thursday

Last Tuesday, Parks and Rec started offering pickleball every Tuesday and Thursday. All levels are welcome! You can bring your own paddle, but there will be extra available to use as well. If you have never played before, not a worry! Staff will be on-site to provide feedback and explain the rules. $5 drop in fee each day. Register for the next session.

Wildmind Animal Show: "Wild Rain Forest", July 6

See science come to life through an exciting animal show at the Brisbane Library while learning to think like a scientist and appreciate our connection to animals, the environment, and each other. Don't miss it - it's happening tomorrow, July 6th at 3pm.

Summer Learning Challenge with San Mateo County Libraries

It's not too late to join the 2023 Summer Learning Challenge, which started June 1st and runs through August 31st. The Summer Learning Challenge is a fun – and FREE – way to engage youth, families, and adults by challenging them to read, explore new activities and learn new skills all summer long.

ALSO, youth 18 years and younger can participate in the program to earn a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship! Complete the program more than once to increase your chances of winning. Other prizes may be available. Check the Brisbane library for more details!

Glow Event at the Pool Friday, June 7

This program is offered to the teen (12-17 years old) community in celebration of July's Park and Recreation Month. Entrance fee is $4 Residents | $6 Non-Resident. All participants must know the basic swimming components. Lifeguards will be present, although all participants must know basic swimming components. There will be a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 teens for this event. Each participant is required to complete the form below. School IDs must be shown at the door. Registration deadline: next Wednesday, 7/5. Sign up for the Glow event.

Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 3-7pm

For a current list of vendors at Brisbane’s farmers’ market, check brisbaneca.org/farmersmarket. They are also listed below, as of 7/5:
  • Mountain Fresh (produce)
  • Villanueva Fruits​
  • Bun Bao
  • Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn
  • California Bakeshop
  • California's Crêpe
  • Hummus Heaven
  • James Healey Confections
  • Roadside Rotisserie
  • Spring Hill Jersey Cheese
  • Medina Berry Farms
  • Lapis Creek
  • The Daisy Refillery

The City-Wide Yard Sale is July 22

Registration for the 2023 City-Wide Yard Sale is OPEN on fobl.info. Email friendsofthebrisbanelibrary@gmail.com for any questions.

Save the Date - Disaster Prep Day is August 5

The 19th Annual San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day is taking place on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10am - 2pm. The free annual event at the San Mateo County Event Center will include CPR and first aid classes, interactive preparedness demonstrations, giveaways, free hot dogs, and free parking. Learn more at smcdisasterprep.org.

Save the Date - Brisbane Community Night At The Giants Game is August 11

Join the Brisbane Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Brisbane Community Night at the Giants Game. To purchase tickets, contact Jovi at the Park and Rec Office: (415) 508-2134 or jbondoc@brisbaneca.org.

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. At-home test kits can be directly ordered from healthcare providers, including Medi-Cal patients, Kaiser, Aetna, Blue Shield, etc.

Joint City Council, Brisbane GVMID Financing Authority, and Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District Special Meeting - Thursday, June 29, 2023 - 6:30pm

Did You Know?

Don't get foiled. Double-check your aluminum to make sure it can be recycled. Scrunch up your aluminum into a ball from your chips, yogurt lids, foil, etc. If it stays scrunched up, then it's 100% aluminum and can be recycled. If it doesn't and goes back to its original form, it's fake and goes into the trash. Watch this video on Facebook to learn more.

Quote of the week

This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, July 12th, 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!