Brisbane Recognizes Black History Month
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2022 theme, “Black Health and Wellness” pays homage to medical scholars and health care providers. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well. The theme is especially timely as we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected minority communities and placed unique burdens on Black health care professionals.
To celebrate and educate, the Brisbane Parks and Recreation Department will be featuring a Black/African-American author 2-3x/week for the entire month of February. See more on Parks and Rec's Facebook and Instagram pages. To further celebrate and recognize that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America - our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations - the Brisbane City Council at their February 17, 2022 meeting will be proclaiming February as Black History Month in the City of Brisbane.
Preschool's Lunar New Year Parade
The Brisbane Parks and Recreation Preschoolers had a Lunar New Year Parade at the Gazebo earlier this week. Staff puts on the parade regularly with the kids, but this was the first time the parade took place at the Gazebo. It made for easier photo-taking which the parents appreciated. Special thanks to Ms. Chantel, Ms. Hazel, Ms. Iris, Ms. Marcela, and Ms. Pearl for their dedication in caring for our young community members!
2022 Free Virtual Film Screening Series on Human Trafficking Awareness - First Showing is Feb. 10th
The City supports the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking. Join them for a free virtual film screening series. The first one starts Thursday, February 10th, from 6:30–7:30pm. Email stophumantrafficking@smcgov.org for more info.
Support Your Local Library!
"Home is Where the Heart Is" takes place tomorrow, February 5th at 6pm. Guests will enjoy coziness through a curated 1 hour program to raise funds for San Mateo County Libraries. There is even a free, individual ticket that gives you digital access to the event and weekly recommendations for creating a cozy space.
Can’t make it but still want to participate? Make a donation here and/or participate in their silent auction. The silent auction is open through Sunday, February 6th!
Final Opportunity to Submit Your Feedback for Balance Brisbane is Sunday, Feb. 6th!
The Housing Element Update process is well underway. Don't miss your chance to provide your feedback as part of this next 8-year housing cycle (2023-2031). We encourage you to view the tutorial video above, as well as go through the Tips & Tricks slides so you can orient yourself before diving into the simulation tool. The goal is to allocate the State's mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 1,906 housing units amongst the various residentially-zoned subareas in Brisbane.
Join the Planning Commission for two virtual Housing Element Workshops in February (2/10 and 2/24). They will be going over final Balance Brisbane survey results, so, remember to submit your feedback via Balance Brisbane by Sunday, February 6th!
Construction of New Left-Turn Lane Completed at Bayshore & Tunnel
There's a new left-turn lane in town. Construction wrapped up earlier this week and involved removal of the former small median to make room for that dedicated left-turn lane, as shown in the photo (previously there was just room for one lane). And if you happened to notice the devices on the mast arm near the traffic signals and wondered what those were, they are video detection systems whose purpose is to notify the traffic signal controller that there is a vehicle waiting for a green light. We had a video detection system there before - they are standard practice for intersections - but an improved system was installed for this project. Some of the older systems aren't as good at detecting bicyclists or motorcyclists even, but these newer ones are much better (we've already heard of a first-hand account from a cyclist who said that the signals seem to know when they're waiting). Thanks for your patience as this project was completed!
February STAR Now Available to Read Online
Communications Department Overview Video
Take a tour of what happens in the Communications Office! From New Resident Packets to the Blast, signboards, STAR, and socials, we feel honored to do the work that we do for the City of Brisbane!
Peninsula Clean Energy Webinar: Learn to Love Induction Cooking
Were you able to join the webinar yesterday that Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) hosted? Chef Mark Deusler demystified induction by explaining why its efficiency, precision, and safety are superior to electric and gas cooktops. All while preparing a chocolate banana crepe! Here's one of the handouts that was provided to webinar attendees. In a couple weeks, we'll share a webpage that PCE is in the process of developing, which will contain additional resources along with a link to the webinar recording. Stay tuned!
Third & Final On-Site SMCU Visit - Tuesday, Feb. 8
Please join SMCU representatives on Tuesday, February 8th from 1-5pm at Brisbane City Hall! In the meantime, if you would like to open a new membership account, visit smcu.org/join or visit a branch location. Please mention the Promo Code: BRISBANE when opening a new checking account in order to be eligible for the $100 checking account bonus offer.
The 2022 Winter Olympics Start Today!
The Olympic Games start today in Beijing and run through February 20th. This year's Games will feature 109 events, including seven new ones, across 15 disciplines in seven winter sports. Have a young person in your home who's interested in learning more about the sports that are played, past athletes who contended, or the history of the Olympics? Head on over to the Brisbane Library, which is open Mondays - Saturdays 10-5, with extended hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10-8p - or visit smcl.org.
Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, 2-6pm
Get all your fresh produce, hummus, tamales, handcrafted baos, fresh-popped kettlecorn, ice cream, and even hot udon and tempura at Brisbane's weekly Farmers' Market. And if you're wondering if you'll be able to get lobster rolls, tots, or tacos again, rest assured. Cousins Maine Lobster will be returning on February 24th! SF Roadside Rotisserie was back yesterday and will be there each week. Looks like many are enjoying their dry-rubbed rotisserie chicken, spare ribs, roasted potatoes, and brussels sprouts! Thank you for your support of the market!
County Pediatric Vaccine Clinic in SSF Continues Today and Tomorrow
San Mateo County Health continues offering primary series and booster COVID-19 vaccines at locations throughout the County. A Pediatric Vaccine Clinic is continuing at Martin School in SSF today and tomorrow. Appointments are preferred. Sign up at tinyurl.com/martinschoolclinic
County adds Carbon Health as COVID-19 Testing Provider at the Event Center
Unfortunately, Curative needed to cancel their mobile testing site at the Park this past Thursday, likely due to staffing shortages. We put up a notice on the signboards letting the community know, along with the link to find alternative testing sites within San Mateo County here. New County testing partner, Carbon Health, started operations at the Event Center this week and can accommodate 2000 people/day. They're offering walk-up PCR testing, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8am - 4pm at no cost to the recipients.
According to the County Health Department's data dashboards, Brisbane has had 512 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 22 new COVID-19 cases this past week. It's less than half of last week's reported cases, so we're heading in the right direction, but we must continue to stay vigilant to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy.
Note: if you were exposed to someone and are up-to-date on your vaccinations, even if you don't develop symptoms, you should stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days. On Day 5, you should get tested. An exposure includes a "close contact", which is defined as someone who was less than 6 feet away from someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). Masked or unmasked, indoors or outdoors.
Get Your COVID Booster!
According to the CDC, as of February 2nd, more than 88 million people across the United States have received a COVID-19 booster dose. However, 50% of people eligible for a booster dose have yet to get theirs. Everyone ages 5+ years is eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone ages 12+ years is eligible for a free COVID-19 booster shot. Get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination today to help protect you and those you love. Get your COVID-19 booster if:
- It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series,
- 6+ months since you completed your primary Moderna series,
- OR 2+ months since you received your J&J vaccine.
Visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to find a booster near you. More information about pediatric vaccines can be found at: smchealth.org/pedsvaccine.
Note: San Mateo County Health is also providing in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to residents unable to leave home due to age, disability, or medical reason. Click the above button to learn more and schedule an in-home vaccination appointment.
CA Mortgage Relief Program
The California Mortgage Relief Program is accepting applications and can help homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments. Get caught up and apply today!
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!
North County Fire Authority Safety Tips
Annual Lions Club Crustacean Dinner Dance To-Go, February 26
The Brisbane Lions are once again offering a to-go style crustacean dinner (pick-up at Mission Blue between 2-4p), followed up by a virtual DJ dance party, on February 26th. Thank you for supporting the Brisbane Lions Club and all the events they put on to bring the community together, including this one.
Public Art Advisory Committee - Tuesday, February 1, 2022 - 4:30pm
City Council Meeting - Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 8:30pm
Did You Know?
Express Lanes from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to Whipple Avenue in Redwood City will open on February 11th. All vehicles will need FasTrak® or FasTrak Flex® to use these new express lanes, which will connect to the new express lanes opening in Santa Clara County. 3+ person carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles will be able to use the lanes for free with a properly set FasTrak Flex® or FasTrak® Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) toll tag.
Construction continues on the new Express Lanes from Whipple Avenue (in Redwood City) to I-380 (in South San Francisco). These lanes are expected to open in Late 2022.
Quote of the Week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Thursday, February 10th, in the afternoon. City Hall will be closed on Friday, February 11th, for Lincoln's Birthday. 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!