March is Women's History Month
The 2022 theme for Women's History Month is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope", a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline healthcare workers during this pandemic; it also acknowledges the role of women that has consistently been overlooked and undervalued.
At last night's City Council meeting, Mayor Mackin and the Brisbane City Council proclaimed March 2022 as Women's History Month in the City of Brisbane.
Michelle Woodruff and June Heavner, Co-Presidents of the Mothers of Brisbane, were both on-hand to receive last night's Proclamation. Have you heard of the Mothers of Brisbane, aka the MOB? They are a non-profit organization dedicated to parents and families in Brisbane and neighboring communities, and they're actually looking for new leadership! This is an exciting opportunity to give back to your community while helping families in Brisbane and beyond. Michelle and June 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, and the opportunity to create fun, new activities for families! Please reach out to mob@mwoodruff.net.
We recently learned that California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, along with the California Department of Insurance, will be hosting HERstory Equity in the Boardroom, Healthcare, and Workplace, a virtual conversation with women leading the way. The event, in honor of Women’s History Month, will be held virtually on Zoom on Tuesday, March 29th between 1-2pm.
ASL and Spanish interpreting services will be provided.
We Continue Standing in Solidarity with Ukraine
Lions Clubs provide vital assistance where it is needed. The Brisbane Lions Club launched a fundraising appeal in early March to support the refugee efforts related to the current conflict in Ukraine. All funds raised will be donated directly to their fellow Lions in Poland who they have been in contact with.
Artists' Evening of Sharing - Tomorrow, 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. Brisbane artists will present music, theater, dance, images of visual artwork, photography, and film. This showcase of Brisbane’s diverse artists 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. AES will take place VIRTUALLY TOMORROW (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.
Watch Comcast Ch.27 from Brisbane's YouTube Live Stream 24/7
Speaking of live streams, now you can watch Comcast Ch. 27 via the City's website! This is the same feed as what's being sent to Ch. 27.
Grow with Us in the City of Stars
The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring up to four (4) summer internships this year in Human Resources, Records Management in the City Clerk's Office, Public Works Department for Sustainability, and the Public Works Department for Utilities. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the public sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship, as well as have opportunities to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County. Applications are due by April 11 at 5pm.
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.
Native Plant Sale this Saturday 3/19 at Mission Blue Nursery, 9am - 2pm
San Bruno Mountain Watch is excited to share native mountain flora with you this Saturday, 3/19 during their Spring Plant Sale from 9am-2pm at Mission Blue Nursery. Click here for more details.
California Home Insurance Survey
California Homeowners: Complete a short, confidential survey at: uphelp.org/CAhomeSurvey. This survey is being conducted by the consumer-focused nonprofit organization United Policyholders to collect data on California home insurance costs and availability. If you have been “dropped” by your insurance company recently or your rates have gone up significantly - please complete the survey. The data collected will help Californians keep their homes protected and be able to rebound after disasters. Thank you for your participation!
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 as a kid. Check out this video to learn more about FITR:
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. Consider being a gym sponsor by completing the Fire in the Ring Inc. tax-deductible contribution Donation Form. Please email your donation form to FireInTheRingBoxingInc@gmail.com or stop by the gym at 180 Industrial Way.
BPD in Compliance with AB 481
At last night's City Council Meeting, the Council adopted an ordinance to come in compliance with AB 481, which has to do with the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment to increase transparency and curb the trend towards increasingly militarized local police departments. The Brisbane Police Department has not obtained, nor does it utilize any equipment procured from the military or the United States Department of Defense Law Enforcement Support Program (also known as the 1033 Program, formerly the 1028 program). Please read the staff report and if you have any questions or concerns, please email Chief Lisa Macias or Commander Mario Garcia or call them at (415) 508-2177 and (415) 508-2178.
'CA Microbusiness' & 'Microfood Business' Grants
The County of San Mateo has launched two grant opportunities. Please note that if businesses are eligible for the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant AND the Microfood Business Grant, they can apply and potentially receive both grants.
- California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant (first-round application deadline: Monday, April 11th)
- Microfood Business Grant for food carts/trucks, cottage food operators, commissary/incubator kitchens and caterers (deadline: Sunday, April 10th)
Free Tax Services & Curbside Tax Document Drop Off in San Mateo March 19, 10am-Noon
Tax-Aid volunteers will be meeting clients at outdoor Curbside Tax Document Drop Off Events this Saturday, March 19th, at the MLK Center in San Mateo or at the Buchannan YMCA in SF, to collect copies of their tax documents so that volunteers can prepare their tax returns.
Tax-Aid helps people that earn less than $58,000 a year. Their services are provided free of charge by volunteers who donate their time. More information about Tax-Aid and all their drop-off locations this Saturday can be found here.
Let's Be Water-Wise, Brisbane!
It's about to get very warm in the Bay Area next week, reminding us all that we're 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.
Immigrant Inclusion Survey Closes March 20
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 on Sunday, March 20.
Brisbane Chamber of Commerce Scholarships Now Available
The Brisbane Chamber of Commerce offers college scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must be Brisbane residents, dependents of active Brisbane Chamber of Commerce members, or dependents of City of Brisbane employees with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by April 15th by 5pm.
New Hours at 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. The market has a bakery once again! California Bakeshop returned with even more offerings such as fresh empanadas (kalua pork and chicken), artisan breads, cookies, and croissants! They will be bringing weights next week as they hadn't yet experienced a windy afternoon in the park! Note: due to Daylight Saving Time, the hours of the Farmer's Market will now be 3-7pm.
New City Hall Hours as of March 1st
City Hall is 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!
After a month+ long hiatus due to staffing issues and van maintenance, Curative will be re-launching their mobile testing clinic at the Park starting Thursday, March 24th from 11am-5pm. Sign up for appt. (they are generally released the Monday before). Walk-ups will also be accepted. You can find more testing sites at smcgov.org/testing. As of this past Tuesday, March 15, 2022, testing concluded at the San Mateo Event Center. Testing is still widely available at County-sponsored locations, private testing companies, pharmacies and through at-home test kits.
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 609 confirmed historical cases. Brisbane resident Amrit Lall has been keeping track of the historical cases released per week, and let us know that Brisbane again recorded only 3 new COVID-19 cases this past week. Earlier this week, on St. Patrick's Day, we cautioned the community to not test their luck that day or any day when it comes to COVID-19. Recent studies show that vaccine protection wanes over time, especially for people 65 and older. So if it's been more than five months since your second or third dose, please continue to take precautions such as wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings or indoors, especially.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
The State’s Housing is Key program to assist renters and landlords with rent and utility payments is coming to a close March 31st, but the City’s Rental Assistance Program will still be available after that date. Contact the Community Resource Center of the YMCA at (650) 276-4101 or crc@ymcasf.org to get the application process started today!
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.
Save the Date: Compost Giveaway! Friday, April 8th
The much-anticipated compost giveaway is taking place on Friday, April 8th. Please bring your own shovels and enjoy the rich compost that will be provided by South San Francisco Scavenger!
Save the Date: MOB Shop! May 6 & 7
Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Sierra Point Towers Project Meeting - Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 7pm
IDEA Committee Meeting: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - 6:30pm
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - 6:30pm
City Council Meeting - Thursday, March 17, 2022 - 7:30pm
Did You Know?
You or someone you know may qualify for the Community Transportation Benefits Program, which is sponsored and funded by the San Mateo County 101 Express Lanes. The Program helps qualifying San Mateo County residents cover some of their transportation costs. Participants can choose from one of two options that meet their needs:
- Clipper Card with a value of $100 (annual benefit); or
- FasTrak® toll tag/transponder with value of $100 (one-time benefit)
To qualify for benefits under the Program, you must be a resident of San Mateo County, 18 or older, eligible to receive at least one benefit provided through the San Mateo Core Services Agencies Network, or earn an individual income at or below 60% of the county area median income ($76,740 for 2021). Applications open on Monday, March 21st. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please email info@smcexpresslanes.org.
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Friday, March 25th, 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!