So, What are Your Summer Plans?

Well, if you're a Brisbane resident, you may want to take the time this next week or so to really give this one some thought. Want to get in shape with Tae Kwon Do, or in the pool to practice your freestyle...the tennis courts to work on your backhand and serve? Think your kids would want to get their feet wet in sailing or surfing camp? Maybe you could take a class with them, such as digital photography, or try and learn Italian together! There is much to choose from in terms of classes, but space is limited so sign up early. Registration for Brisbane residents opens May 6, and May 13th for non-residents. Did you know you can sign up online, as well?

To learn more about the different classes being offered, visit the Parks & Rec website, or call Nancy at 508-2140. She'd love to meet with you face-to-face to answer any questions you may have, too!

Well-Spent Time in Brisbane

This Saturday, April 19, marks the final Live at Mission Blue Concert Series event of the 2007-2008 season. The series will be capped with the "Masters of the Romantic," featuring Sharon Grebanier - first violin at the San Francisco Symphony; Michael Grebanier - principal cellist*, also with the SFS (the two met when he joined the Orchestra in 1977); and Eric Zivian - pianist, of the Zivian-Tomkins Duo. So come on out to Mission Blue Center Saturday night, and enjoy a pre-concert talk with the artists beginning at 7:30. Maybe Michael will be using his cello built by Francesco Ruggeri of Cremona...in 1698!



April 21-27 is TURN YOUR TV OFF WEEK. So instead of a night in front of the tube, spend it doing other activities...like reading, exercising, or taking a visit to the Brisbane library (you'll get the first two accomplished!). Click here for a list of the library's special events for the upcoming week.

Also, Brisbane Dance Workshop's Annual Spring Performance this year, "Mountains of Tibet," takes place Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Mark your calendars early, and look out for the Summer issue of the Star for a synopsis of the production!


* In case you're wondering what the difference between first violin and principal cellist is, principal cellists act as section leaders and therefore may be placed in different areas on the stage. The case does not necessarily ring true for first violins, as they usually are playing the higher parts, most often which is the melody. 'Tis all.

Some Things to be Aware of This Week

In no particular order. However, chronological may be most useful:

1. The heater at the Community Pool will be shut off for a short time period on Monday morning, starting around 9:30 am. This will allow the contractor to complete some work with the boiler. Scheduled swim periods will not be affected, but just expect the pool to be a little cooler in the late morning/early afternoon hours. Also, in case you didn't know about the pool's new Spring Program hours, click here to check them out.
2. Monday night's City Council Meeting has one item on the Agenda - the 2008 Midyear update and an updated financial forecast through June 2012. Come and be informed about the fiscal state of your city and hear staff's recommendations to ensure its fiscal viability.
3. Wednesday, April 16th is National Start! Walking Day. The American Heart Association's goal is to raise $1 mil. online, along with strive to get people in cities and towns across the country to take 1 million-plus steps. Go to www.startwithamillion.org to pledge your support and your commitment to Start! a healthier lifestyle. And don't forget to pack your walking shoes that day!
4. Be READY for the unexpected. On Thursday the 17th, starting at 8:00 pm, the San Mateo Office of Emergency Services and Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services is presenting the premiere of "Get Ready San Mateo County," a 30 min. video focusing on personal disaster preparedness. The video will be followed by a showing of the 1974 classic, "Earthquake" - starring the late Charlton Heston. The event is free for all, and takes place at Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Downtown Redwood City. So bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a night on the square - a little preparation could go a long way!

In Hopes of Harvesting the Best for Brisbane

The suggestion of wind power generation at the Baylands has recently been more widely discussed at City Council meetings as a means to help the project achieve energy neutrality. However, utilizing this resource requires for a number of questions to be answered first, namely:

• What is the site’s wind energy potential?
• Given that, what would be the most appropriate form and scale of on-site wind power generation?

To help answer these questions and to provide the City Council with valuable data for decision-making means, E.F. McCarthy Associates has been hired by the City. So far in their research, average wind speeds were reported as being marginal for commercial power generation, but also that further economic analysis would be needed. The study also suggested that a 60-meter tall wind tower be installed on-site to collect data on wind speed and direction. The City is currently working with the property owner, Universal Paragon (who is funding the costs associated with acquiring the tower) to install the wind data collection tower for a one-year period. The tower will be held in place by a series of guy-wires anchored to the ground.

Due to it being less than 200 ft. in height, the tower is exempt from FAA regulations, as well as from environmental review pursuant to Section 15306 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (which allows for basic data collection and resource evaluation activities). The City will also be consulting with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to ensure that the temporary anchors do not impact the landfill cap integrity of the area. Want to hear more on this issue? Then plan on attending the April 7th City Council meeting at 7:30 pm at the Community Center where Council will be advised of the upcoming installation of the temporary wind tower, tentatively scheduled for mid-April.

Should you have the hankering to hear more about climate change after Monday night’s Council meeting, there is an event taking place the following night in Menlo Park, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Café Scientifique, a monthly forum where the public can listen to and talk with scientists and technologists, will be welcoming speaker Peter Schwartz, who will be presenting on “Climate Change and Global Security.” Click here for more information and event details. Coffee, tea, and biscotti will be complimentary, but B.Y.O.M. if you’d rather not use their provided disposable cups (just in case, that’s bring your own mug).