Reasons to Gather & Celebrate!

Maybe you heard, saw, or felt the hail this past Sunday evening? The harsh and chilly temperatures that night caused for a slight change in plans regarding the 23rd Annual Festival of Lights, but the show still went on. Residents quickly gathered inside the Community Center where they escaped the cold...

not to mention, warmed their tummies with hot cocoa and cookies.Everyone who was there came prepared for that evening's weather conditions.

And instead of the usual caroling down Visitacion Ave., caroling took place in the safety and warmth of the Community Center.

Behind Kathy, who led the caroling, kids formed their own caroling groups...

...and came to her rescue when she asked their help with singing, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

After the program, the Community made their way down to the Community Park to see the tree get lit.

Many thanks to all those who helped put on this annual event, and all the residents who didn't allow the weather to prevent them from having a great time together as a community Sunday night.

Monday's City Council meeting was a special one. Not only were 5 Brisbane soccer championship teams and leaders recognized, Councilmember Richardson was recognized for her year of service to the Brisbane community as Mayor, a new Councilmember was sworn in, and a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem were appointed, taking the Oath of Office as well. As you can see, there was plenty to celebrate that night, and the overflow that occurred from the Community Meeting Room was a reflection of that!

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma was even there to join in on the festivities. Joining former Mayor Richardson, the two expressed their appreciation to the Brisbane coaches and referees who volunteered their time. The result of them doing so? At the end of the season, all five teams were awarded the title, CYSA or AYSO Area Champions!

Hats off to the Brisbane Bombers (U10 Boys) and Coach Litvin, the Brisbane Arsenal (U12 Boys) and Coach Sosa, the Brisbane Blaze (U12 Girls) and Coaches Castillo and Avila, the Brisbane Blast (U13 Girls) and Coaches O'Connor and Lacayo, and the Brisbane Super Women (U14 Girls) and Coaches Davis and Reyes.

All your hard work and dedication paid off in the end! Congratulations on a job well done!!

New Mayor Conway then recognized Sepi for all of her hard work and service to the Brisbane community, presentating her with an honorary plaque and recognition award.

Assemblywoman Ma then expressed her own words of thanks for Sepi, for her service as a dedicated community leader and as a friend.

Assemblywoman Ma afterwards swore in newly-elected Councilmembers Richardson and Conway.

This was followed by our City Clerk administering the Oath of Office to newly-elected Councilmember Lentz.

Lastly, Councilmembers Conway and Bologoff were appointed as Brisbane's new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.

Brisbane's new City Council take their seats behind the Council dais...

And look like they are eagerly anticipating their next years of service to the Community.

It's now down to official business...

...which, from the looks of it, will be accomplished...with some fun and laughs thrown in too. If you'd like to receive notification about upcoming City Council meetings and to see what's on their agenda, send an e-mail to cityhall@ci.brisbane.ca.us. By being on this list, you'll receive notification when new blog entries are posted as well.