Help Shape and Support the Community!

Want to improve your community? Have creative ideas that you think could add value? Well, now's your chance to voice them, and help to build a better Brisbane for tomorrow.

That's right! There are currently several open positions for the upcoming term on a few commissions and committees in town. They are: Planning Commission (2), Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission (2), Open Space and Ecology Committee (2), and the Traffic Advisory Committee (2). For more information, visit the City's website, or click here. To download an application form, click here. Just print out the application, fill it out, and fax it to Sheri Schroeder, City Clerk, at (415) 467-4989. So, what are you waiting for? Take a stand and make your mark on the community. Just hurry, as the deadline's fast approaching!

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In just over one week, the Mission Blue Center will be transformed into a Las Vegas type casino for the annual community fundraiser, Monte Carlo Night! Join us on Saturday, January 26th between 6:00 - 11:00 pm for a night of fun and entertainment. The evening includes exciting games of chance, dancing to a hot party band, full beer and wine no-host bar, and a sumptuous buffet meal throughout the evening. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. For more information and tickets, please contact Nancy Carpenter, at 508-2140. See you there...and come with your game face on!

Back to Basics

A new year brings new aspirations, new goals...and a new way of thinking and planning, both integral matters if one is really serious about fulfilling any of them! For this reason, the City Council will be having its second Sunday-morning meeting this weekend, to review the value statements from its last planning session held in November, keeping sure that they are reflective of the Brisbane community. In addition, they will be providing direction to staff regarding the City's FY 2007-2009 financial plans and five-year forecast. A copy of the staff report can be viewed by clicking here. It should be noted again that this is simply a planning session for the City Council, and that no decisions will be made before further discussions are held in the spring at upcoming City Council workshops and meetings, where public input is most encouraged.

Speaking of future meetings, this Monday's Planning Commission meeting marks the completion to the update of the Transportation and Circulation Element of the General Plan. Come and see how the goals of the community, which speak to the importance of safe travel, accessibility, reliable transit, and that adequate circulation and parking enhances business and economic health, are reflected in the update. Click here to read about the recommended revisions.

A Great BIG Reason to Stay in This Weekend

The most powerful storm to hit the Bay Area in years is going on and will be continuing throughout the weekend.

Please exercise caution when driving, especially in the low-lying areas of the city (i.e. along Bayshore, esp. @ Industrial Ave.). A high surf advisory has been put into effect until 10 am Sunday morning. Waves could reach as high as 15-feet today; 28 feet on Saturday. The weather service says coastal flooding is possible, especially during high tides. If you want to report a flood or other storm-related incident over the weekend, please call Police Dispatch at 467-1212.

Winter Storm Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winter Storm Safety Tips

Local Bay Area news stations are reporting three heavy winter storms waiting to hit our coastline over the course of the next three days. Weather forecasters are expecting heavy winds along the coast and local mountains, as well as high rainfall totals throughout the week’s end. And if you are planning to travel, heavy snowfall is predicted in the Sierra’s into the weekend. Weathering the storm can be a fairly uneventful experience if certain precautions and safety measures are taken. Here are some quick tips from your local Fire Department to help keep you and your family safe and warm through the next few stormy nights.

1. At The Beach: Gusty winds and strong stormy conditions can cause high surf conditions. Be cautious if visiting a local beach; stay aware of the surf and never turn your back on the water.


2. On the Road: One of the leading causes of death and injury during winter storms is transportation accidents. If you must go out in wet road conditions, be sure to keep more distance than usual between cars, and adjust your speed to the conditions of the roadway. Travel with chains in snowy areas, and always make sure someone is aware of your travel plans.


3. At Home: Heavy winds can cause power outages and damage to trees and bushes. Be sure that your family has an emergency preparedness plan as well as a disaster preparedness kit at home and in your car. Check that your kit is well stocked with storm supplies and all food and water is still good.


4. Staying Warm: The impending storms are predicted to bring cold weather conditions throughout the Bay Area and the Sierras. Dress warmly in multiple layers of lightweight clothing and keep your head covered.


5. Fire Safety: Candles are one of the leading causes of fires in the nation. During a power outage, use flashlights to illuminate your pathway, never use candles. Be sure to stock-up on spare batteries should your flashlight run out of power.

If you are in need of sand bags they are available for residents of Brisbane, Daly City and Pacifica at the following locations:

• Brisbane: Parking lot located behind the Temporary City Hall Building, 140 Valley Drive.


• Daly City: Daly City Corp Yard (Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm), 792 Niantic Avenue.


• Pacifica: Fire Station 72, 1100 Linda Mar Blvd.; Pacifica Corp Yard (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm), 155 Milagra Drive.

Throughout a storm, always stay informed by tuning into your local radio and television news stations for updated information of weather and road conditions. For more information, please contact Fire Administration at (650) 991-8138. Stay safe, and stay warm.

Nothing is for Certain...but Change Itself

There have been numerous articles written recently about the financial issues negatively affecting the State, the County, and a number of local municipalities. While the experts debate why this is occurring - inflation, oil prices, home mortgage crises, a falling dollar, etc., the question of concern for our community is - how are we affected in Brisbane?

First, it can be said that our small town is not immune to the the larger economy. And with all three of our major revenue sources (sales, property and hotel taxes) all experiencing slower growth rates in the past few years, revenues to the City have in turn remained relatively flat. The recent housing slump and mortgage crises have also attributed to the City's current need to address its financial issues. Thus, City Council and staff will be developing plans to prioritize and reorganize operations in order for the community's needs to be met, and its values upheld.

To solicit community input and discuss the impacts of potential changes in programs, the City Council will be holding public workshops during the spring. In the next few years, the City will be seeking to reduce its expenditures by an anticipated $1.6m (with as much as $2m for fiscal years 2009-2011). In the meantime, if you have any thoughts or comments, please drop them here, and be sure to check back for survey questions that will forthcoming. This feedback from the community will be of utmost importance when it comes time for the actual planning and decision-making process to commence.

Star Light, Star Bright

...Scores of stars are dotting Brisbane's hillside, tonight.

Photo courtesy of Lee Panza, www.panza.smugmug.com

Just a friendly reminder that City Hall will be closing at noon on 12/24 and all-day on the 25th. Similarly, we'll be closing at 12:00 p.m. next Monday the 31st, and all-day on New Year's Day. Enjoy the time spent with friends and family!

The Wisdom of Crowds

The oft-spoken expression, "Two heads are better than one," though not in the least novel to any of us, may be taking on a whole new level of meaning when applied to the growing number of cities nationwide that have been adopting green building rules and ordinances. The movement for all new commercial, residential, and civic developments to incorporate green building measures into their design, construction, and maintenance comes at the realization that local governments can have a positive stake in curbing the negative effects of global warming. Buildings, which until recently have been left largely unregulated, have been shown to contribute significantly to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (the other two big ones being tailpipe emissions and power plants, and controlled by the federal and state governments, respectively). Nationwide, construction is the biggest manufacturing industry, with no surprise that buildings account for 39% of U.S. energy use, 70% of electricity consumption and 12% of potable water use. It now becomes obvious why so many cities are raising their building standards - thinking more so on how future generations will be able to benefit through more strict design and building standards being set presently, rather than on any the short-term impacts.

Brisbane is no different. Though small in size, the city is one that has long been known to be environmentally-progressive. And it expects to continue being just that. This coming Monday, 12/17, the City Council will be voting on adopting its own Green Building Ordinance, which will impose mandatory green building standards for certain real estate development projects. We encourage the community to come and be a part of yet another way the city is pursuing opportunities to protect natural resources and to preserve the unique and current character of Brisbane.