Volunteers Testing Fire Hydrants Around Town

William de Alba and Justin McDaniel have stepped forward to lend a hand in testing Brisbane's fire hydrants today. Outfitted in orange safety vests and hard hats, some of the things they are checking for are: making sure the caps are free and spinning (in other words, ready to go in the event of an emergency); and there being a blue "Botts' Dot" located nearby in the roadway (their placement indicates to fire and law enforcement personnel responding to an emergency that a fire hydrant is located closeby, and the side of the center divide line the Botts' Dot is located on tells them which side of the street the hydrant is on).

Thank you to William and Justin, who further give rise to the evidence that Brisbane's volunteer spirit is still what embodies this town and what its foundation is strongly built upon!

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Now seems the perfect time to remind you that the unveiling of Brisbane's Volunteer of the Year Boulder is taking place THIS FRIDAY, 7/24, at City Hall at 5:30pm. Come join us in celebrating the many hands that, over the last 15 years, have contributed their time, hard work, and enthusiasm to make Brisbane a better place to live, work, and play. Because, as the saying goes...many hands make light work!

What you'll want to drop off and where you'll want to drop in!

Ever see one of those white mailbox-looking bins located in police department lobbies? Well, they have been placed there for you to conveniently dispose of your expired or otherwise unwanted medications. Working off the undeniable evidence of pharmaceutical pollutants having been found in our water supply, with there not being a clear and convenient path for their disposal, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors member, Adrienne Tissier, created the pharmaceutical disposal program in 2006. From September 2006 through the end of March 2009, the program diverted more than 21,000 gross pounds - 10.5 tons - of pills and medicinal liquids away from wastewater streams or municipal landfills (which most likely got there after being disposed of down the toilet).

Brisbane Police Chief Tom Hitchcock was approached by Supervisor Tissier about putting in a pharmaceutical disposal bin when City Hall and the Police Dept. were about to undergo a major remodel project. Now that the remodel has been completed, the Brisbane Police Dept. is home to its very own drop-off bin, with Tissier commending the Chief for "making good" on his promise.

You'll see the drop-off bin right when you enter through the Police Entrance, located on the back side of City Hall (there is a separate driveway entrance from Valley Drive). You may drop off your unwanted pharmaceuticals when the lobby is open, or simply press the yellow button for assistance. We applaud Supervisor Tissier's efforts and are glad to assist in the prevention of chemicals from pharmaceuticals entering the environment!

San Bruno Mountain Watch Conservancy (SBMWC) will be hosting a pancake breakfast August 2nd in celebration of the new Mission Blue Native Plant Greenhouse. The event will be taking place behind the Brisbane Fire House (3435 Bayshore Blvd.) from 8:30am - 11:30am so be sure to drop in with your appetites and your kind donations ($10 adult, $5 child). Proceeds benefit SBMWC. For more information, give them a call at 415-467-6631.

New Installations Around Town!

Brand new bike racks outside Julie's Deli and Midtown Market were installed today by Leland Simmonds, a Brisbane Public Works crew member. Leland has been with the City for more than 30 years, and his expertise sure shines through in his work! He takes pride in all he does, evidenced though his careful

measuring...

drilling...

vacuuming...

hammering...

and doing some last drilling and vacuuming...

before he can apply the wrench to get those screws in tight!

With the removal of some protective covering, we are just about done...

and that, folks, is Brisbane Public Works proudly serving you!

On your next visit to City Hall, you'll also notice this sign that's been installed (also by Leland, and also in the same manner as above!) next to the rain garden.

Come and learn how the rain garden and bioswale (located on the opposite side of City Hall along Valley Dr.) are able to filter and clean stormwater before it enters Brisbane Lagoon and drains into the Bay. Check out this article from the San Mateo County Times that talks about our rain garden and where you can expect to see others like it popping up around the Bay Area!

Expect Slight Delays

This is due to the construction work that started today on Bayshore Blvd. and will finish up on the 31st. Having received over $130,000 in stimulus money, the City is having Bayshore Blvd. overlaid, along with new traffic striping installed. Work is scheduled to take place between 9:00am - 4:00 pm daily, starting about 200' north of the intersection of Bayshore & Old County Rd. and continuing 800' south on Bayshore, ending just past the median. Due to construction and lane closures, motorists and motorcyclists are advised to expect delays and to take alternate routes around the work areas if possible. Please also exercise caution when driving through the construction area, being mindful of traffic control, construction equipment, and construction workers. If you have any questions, you may contact the Public Works Dept. at 415-508-2130. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the next few weeks as this portion of Bayshore is improved for your safety and driving comfort!

An Unveiling of What's to Come in Brisbane

Brisbane's volunteers play a crucial role any time a special program, event, or ceremony takes place, so it's fitting there should be one designed specifically with them in mind, highlighting the hard work and tireless efforts many have committed ceaseless hours to.

On July 24th, a physical monument which recognizes previous Volunteer of the Year award recipents will be unveiled, with the Mayor, Commissioners, and staff celebrating their dedication to the community. It's through them that living and being in Brisbane truly becomes a rich and rewarding experience. So join us at 5:30pm outside City Hall as we recognize these special and talented Brisbane residents! Then, at 6:00pm, mosey on over to the Community Park as the California Cowboys kick off Brisbane's Concerts in the Park series. The concert goes until 9:00pm, so be sure to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, favorite snacks, and most important, favorite people to share some western tunes with!

Wondering what's to be unveiled concerning the Housing Element piece of the City's General Plan? Then come to Monday's City Council meeting to find out. The Council will be discussing Brisbane's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), continued from their June 29th meeting, and which needs to be submitted to the state in order for the City to be in compliance with state law. Click here to view next Monday's agenda (click on the agenda for July 13, 2009), as the Council progresses towards deciding on an alternative regarding Brisbane's RHNA for the next 5-yr. period.

Controlled Burn on 7/08/09

Cal Fire has advised they will be doing a controlled burn of approximately 100 acres on Highway 35 at Alpine Road (Russian Ridge area) in unincorporated San Mateo County.

Smoke from the controlled burn might be visible throughout all of San Mateo County from 8:30am to 5:00pm on Wednesday.

If you should need any further information, please contact Gordon Baillie with Cal Fire at (650) 691-1200.

Shining Year-Round

It's not just during the holidays that stars shine in Brisbane. Through July 31st, the Parks & Recreation Dept. is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic, and motivated teens to join the 2009/10 Youth Advisory Committee. If you or someone you know is a Brisbane resident between the ages of 13 and 18, and would like to provide input on the programs offered for youth and teens in Brisbane, then may we suggest you join the YAC! For an application, click here, returning it to YAC Advisor Steve Beaty no later than Friday, July 31st. For additional information, Steve can be reached at sbeaty@ci.brisbane.ca.us or 508-2144.

And just a reminder, those are the only lights that should be shining this weekend. Fireworks are illegal in Brisbane so please refrain from lighting them - they are dangerous and could cost you that summer spending money you've been saving!

With that, have a safe and Happy Fourth of July holiday. City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, but will be open for business again on Monday the 6th.