Council's Direction Regarding Sierra Point

At this past Monday’s City Council and Planning Commission joint meeting, proposed revisions to the design guidelines for Sierra Point were discussed, followed by Council’s direction regarding the subarea, which is located approximately midway between the northern and southern shores of Sierra Point, accessible by Sierra Point Parkway, and overlooking the Bay. In order to assist Council, as well as involve the community in its understanding of the overall process necessary when undertaking such an expansive project as the design of a public realm at Sierra Point, staff made efforts to retain the services of those that would be best able to help ensure that all subsequent development conforms to the intentions of the City. Revisions to the Sierra Point guidelines were thus presented on Monday by Greg Tung from the local urban design firm, Freedman, Tung and Bottomley (FTB), who described the important relationship between the public park/plaza and the design of the buildings that may eventually surround that space. Greg also provided some draft design concepts for a new public park/plaza near the Marina and for an enhanced Sierra Point Parkway, as the main spine through the district.

In addition to a presentation covering the conceptual design of the area, staff felt it would be beneficial for the community to also receive a presentation on the economic issues behind the issue. This would then provide means for Council as well as the public to engage in the thought process of how the adjacent buildings, especially at the ground floor level, could support and “activate” the public space. Tim Kelly of real estate advisory firm Keyser Marston Associates (KMA) showed how various levels and combinations of the land use mix would contribute to the activation of the public realm. His report demonstrated what uses and magnitude of the development indeed serve in the successful activation of the new public space.

This meeting continues the discussion of uses at Sierra Point. Staff received direction from Council to continue exploring the creation of a public park/plaza, and in addition, exploring the use of retail to assist in the use and activation of the public space. The details of this concept will be heard further by the Planning Commission. Any project that is approved will ultimately need to be approved by Council.

It’s still going to be a while before the community will see any implementation of what’s currently being discussed, but in the meantime staff will continue to think of creative ways to bring increased awareness and understanding to the public, to the point where people want to engage themselves in the decision-making process during this very exciting time in Brisbane. Then, not only will history be made through this public space, but a future cohesive community spirit will be attained. That alone will make what’s waiting up ahead, well worth the journey.

A Unique Brisbane Excursion

Have you taken a trip to Brisbane's Quarry Road Park lately? If you haven't, now would be an excellent time to do so and take in some breath-taking views of the City. In the past two years, community volunteers and staff have worked together to remove most of the invasive plants above the Community Garden, in addition to a section of the cyclone fencing along Solano Street near the top of the park. Park benches have also been placed in the flat adjacent area, along with trees to capture a serene orchard setting. Of course, the project wouldn't have been able to be completed without there being several community clean-up days to bring the newly-transformed site to fruition. We hope that you take the time to view and enjoy this new asset to the Brisbane community.

Afterall, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Hilary Cooper

Bay Area Hit with Quarantine to Curb Spread of Light Brown Apple Moth

In early May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture handed down a federal quarantine order to restrict the interstate movement of nursery stock, cut flowers, and other plants in hopes of curbing the spread of the light brown apple moth. The Australian native feeds on more than 250 plant species and could threaten California’s $38 billion agriculture industry. Included in the federal order are all of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties as well as the entire state of Hawaii. Just this past week, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) added four areas of San Mateo County to its state quarantine. The four areas under quarantine range from 11 to 23 square miles and include portions of Colma, South San Francisco, Brisbane, Daly City, San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Redwood City and Half Moon Bay.

The apple moth was first discovered in Berkeley on Feb. 6, its first detection in the continental United States. The moth eats fruit crops, oak trees, pine trees, and is particularly partial to crops like avocados, tomatoes, citrus and stone/drupe fruits such as peaches and plums (aggregate drupelet fruits include blackberries and raspberries). Recently, the moth has been trapped on Mill Street in Half Moon Bay and Coronet Boulevard in Belmont.

Staff has contacted the County Agricultural Commissioner’s office, who said even though there currently are no enforcements in place in regards to the general public, they're requesting for people to not take plant materials outside the quarantined area. It is, however, okay to put greenwaste in the recycling carts for collection by SSF Scavenger Co.

If you would like more information about the light brown apple moth and its impact on you, visit the CDFA’s website (under Hot Topics).

FYI, Brisbane Stars

This coming Sunday, June 10th, Brisbane volunteers will be recognized by the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation (PB&R) Commission at the annual Star Awards ceremony, taking place at the Community Pool. Due to this special event, the pool will be closed all day Sunday.

Start rolling up your sleeves, because the 1st annual Brisbane Derby will be here before you know it. Even though the event isn't set to take place until the Fall (Oct. 6, 2007), Car Builders Clinics are being held NOW, with the next one being on June 19th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Lipman Gym. This event is being brought to you by the Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department along with the PB&R Commission and is open only to Brisbane Residents and those who work in Brisbane.

This Monday night's Council meeting (7:30 pm at the Community Center) will focus on a General Plan Update, consisting of Land Use Element - Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest Bayshore Subareas.

Firefighters Subdue 3-Alarm Grass Fire on Saturday

Firefighters were called to a three-alarm blaze this past Saturday, at 4:01 PM, between Guadalupe Canyon and Mission Blue. The first arriving fire company was on scene within 4 minutes after being dispatched and reported a grass fire approximately 5 acres in size. Due to heavy winds, a second and subsequent third alarm was struck. The fire was contained in 1 and 1/2 hours, with firefighters remaining on scene for an additional 2 hrs. to check for any remaining hot spots. The fire was contained to approximately 10 acres with no damages to any structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Scene and Heard

At approximately 9:00 am today our Public Works Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team responded to an oil spill which had taken place on the corner of Bayshore and Valley. A truck en route to South San Francisco, transporting rock from the Quarry, had withstood a leak in one of its fuel tanks. The spill was speedily cleaned up and traffic on Bayshore was once again flowing and passing through the spill scene.

The 2nd annual Health & Wellness Fair is taking place on Saturday, June 2nd, from 11:00 am-3:00 pm up at Mission Blue Center. Expect to hear and learn more about health, fitness, and nutrition through fitness presentations, healthy cooking classes, testing, and booth set-ups. Relax with food, drinks, and the latest in fitness...not to mention free samples from the various vendors that will be there! And did we mention that this is a FREE event?? Come and join the fun!

This coming Monday, June 4th, will mark the continuation of the budget study session with City Council. Police, Fire, Marina, Parks and Recreation, and Planning will be presenting their two-year budgets, so come to the Community Center at 7:30 pm and hear what your City is planning!