Sunshine In Between the Rain

In every storm, relief is sure to come, and we've been fortunate to wake up to sun shining in Brisbane, instead of the torrential rains which came down last week which had seemingly no end to their downpour. Now that we're basking in sunshine, hopefully we each have a better understanding of the idea and importance to be prepared...and that the more pre-planning we can do beforehand, the better off we'll be when a "storm" comes our way.

Take for instance, Brisbane's rain garden located in the parking lot at City Hall. This was one of the first of its kind built in San Mateo County, its construction coinciding with the recently-retrofitted Brisbane City Hall. With all of the rain that came down last week, which did a fine job washing away pollutants from vehicles in the form of oil leaks and dust from brake pads, it was essential for the health of the Lagoon, as well as the Bay, that Brisbane's rain garden was in place. For, that's what treats stormwater runoff as it filters through the specially-selected vegetation and soaks into the ground. The underdrain system collects the now-treated water before sending it through the City's stormdrain system to Brisbane Lagoon and out into the Bay. It is truly a model of sustainable design, and so much so...that it has been selected a second time as a best example of sustainability - this time at the American Society of Civil Engineers International LID Conference (LID = Low Impact Development). Matt Fabry, associate engineer with the City, is the progam coordinator of the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program. He will be presenting on the program's Green Streets and Parking Lots Program at the conference, and in addition, giving a technical tour to conference attendees of the rain garden and bioswale. Kudos to Matt for representing Brisbane as a regional leader in sustainable design!

The fields are getting less damp with each day of sunshine, and pretty soon, little leagues will be using them for practice and games. But first! We need coaches to teach them how the game is played. If you're interested in coaching youths between the ages of 5 to 14, we need you to call Steve in the Parks and Recreation Dept. pronto! The season starts on March 1st, so don't delay...contact Steve at 508-2144 or e-mail him at sbeaty@ci.brisbane.ca.us.

Mark your calendars! Next Saturday, 2/6 is the 9th Annual Arts Evening of Sharing. This is a special event sponsored by the City where the community is invited to celebrate Brisbane's creative spirit! It's free, refreshments are served, and Brisbane artists and advocates living and working in town are honored. Don't miss it!

Lastly, a reminder about the crab & spaghetti feed taking place tomorrow at the Pacelli Gym in Daly City to raise funds for the Athletics Department at Jefferson High School. If you call in before the event starts, your name will be put on a list and you'll still only pay $35 for an adult ticket (they go up to $45 at the door).

Enjoy the sunshine...while it lasts!