April 2, 2020
Mayor's Note

On behalf of our entire City Council, we thank you for your patience during this challenging time -- and most importantly, for adhering to the County's Shelter-in-Place Order. While disruptive, inconvenient, and a hardship for so many, together we're saving lives and conserving precious hospital resources.  

Our tight-knit neighborhoods are a defining characteristic of Burlingame. One silver lining under COVID-19 is that we're looking out for one another more than ever before, and we're reminded how interconnected we are. I'm inspired by neighborhood grocery runs, meal chains, teddy bears in windows, inspirational words, and candles illuminating our evening porches. In that spirit, our Library Team developed the #BurlingameTogether campaign as a way to celebrate uplifting acts of kindness, and positive ways Burlingame is coping with this challenge. Please email your stories, photos, or videos to [email protected], and we'll share them on our social media platforms to inspire us all.

We also invite you to tune into our City Council Meeting via Zoom this Monday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m. to learn about our City Council's plan to support local Burlingame businesses through these challenging times.   Click here to access the agenda and Zoom meeting instructions.

Stay healthy and please stay home whenever possible. Let’s continue to be kind, express gratitude, look after our vulnerable neighbors, exercise, and practice self-care. This will be a marathon, not a sprint — and we will emerge from this as an even stronger community. We are all in this #BurlingameTogether!

Emily Beach
Mayor, City of Burlingame
The County's Shelter-in-Place Order Has Been Extended Through May 3, 2020

On Tuesday, March 31, the Health Officer of the County of San Mateo extended the Shelter-in-Place Order to May 3, 2020. This new Order will supersede the previous Order. View the press release here.

The new Order also expands on what is considered an essential business or activity at this time and imposes more or stricter social distancing requirements. If you have questions about the Order, visit the County's Shelter in Place FAQs. You may also email your questions to [email protected].

In last week's eNews we explained that the Legal Call Center would close after last Friday. We've since learned that the Call Center number is still available to receive voice messages only. If you'd like to leave a message with your question call 650-363-4588 and follow the prompts. You will receive a return phone call.
Forgivable Small Business Administration Loans

One of the most important and impactful elements of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act package is the Payroll Protection Program (PPP).

The Payroll Protection Program is the Small Business Administration's $349 billion lending program under the CARES Act. The new Paycheck Protection Program expands the SBA's 7(a) loan program to help small businesses cover their near-term operating expenses and retain employees

Please see below for links to important program details and an application:

Visit the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) website for more small and medium-sized business resources. You may also view the SAMCEDA COVID-19 Business Continuity Action Plan for dozens of helpful links.
No Commercial Landscaping or Gardening Permitted During the Shelter-in-Place Order for COVID-19

According to the County, commercial landscaping and gardening services are NOT permitted under the Shelter-in-Place Order as they are considered non-essential business activities. Emergency repairs to irrigation are permitted, and residents themselves are still allowed to landscape and garden on their own property. You are responsible for notifying your gardeners not to come to your property.
Recology Suspends Bulky Item Collection

Recology has temporarily suspended bulky item pick up services due to COVID-19. Click here to learn more.
Protect Your Pipes!
Don’t Pour Fats, Oils, and Grease Down the Drain!

Instead, here is how to properly dispose of used cooking oil:

1. Once cooled, pour liquid cooking oil into an old jar or sealed container.
2. Scrape any solid grease from pans or dishes and dispose of it in the trash.
3. Use a paper towel or napkin to absorb any remaining oily residue on pans or dishes and place it in the compost or trash bin.
4. Dispose of used cooking oil in a sealed container in the black garbage bin.

Note: it is possible to recycle your used cooking oil at the Shoreway Public Recycling Center in San Carlos. However, the facility is temporarily closed due to the Shelter-in-Place Order.
Events Around Town
Fresh Market Now Open For 2020 Season
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Park Road at Burlingame Avenue

Please follow these important tips for shopping the Fresh Market during the County's Shelter-in-Place Order
  • Come to the market in good health; please stay home if unwell
  • Wash hands/ refrain from touching your face
  • Do not self-serve and retrieve sample direct from a farmer 
  • Regulate your own social spacing of 6 feet
  • Wash all produce before consumption

For more information, visit burlingamechamber.org.
Drive In WiFi
Everyday, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Main Library Parking Lot

Did you know you can access the Library’s WiFi from the parking lot? The Burlingame Library is introducing Drive In WiFi @ the Library! If you know someone with limited internet access, please spread the word!

To ensure social distancing, stay inside your car. The connection is stronger closer to the building. To access the network, open your network settings, connect to “Burlingame Library,” and then click “Yes” on the splash page that launches.
Virtual Book Club: "Pride" by Ibi Aanu Zoboi
Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. (First half of book through Chapter 15)
Thursday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. (Second half of book)
Via Zoom

Join the Burlingame Library's first ever Virtual Book Club. Borrow a copy of "Pride" by Ibi Aanu Zoboi from Libby (in eBook or downloadable audio)! For adults and teens. Join us on Zoom. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Ways to Help
Stay Home
Maintain 6 Feet of Social Distancing When Out

Thank you for social distancing and maintaining 6 feet of distance at grocery stores and during your walks around the neighborhood. Please ensure your children and leashed pets keep a distance of six feet as well.
Continue to Support Local Businesses

Please try to shop local and support our businesses and their employees during these challenging times. Many are modifying hours, offering curbside delivery, and even offering to deliver items to your home. Check this list of businesses regularly as changes are being made frequently.
Ways to Help or Volunteer

Donate Personal Protective Equipment

Members of the public can drop off personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies at Maple Street Correctional Facility, 1300 Maple St., Redwood City, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please follow the “donations” sign to staffed collection bins in the parking lot. Only the items listed below will be accepted.
  • Unused N95 respirators and surgical masks. They can be opened, as long as they have not been used.
  • Unopened packages of disposable gloves
  • Unopened containers of hand sanitizer
  • Unopened containers of disinfectants and disinfecting wipes
  • Packaged, unused protective goggles

Technical organizations (such as pharma, biotech) or other businesses with medical supplies to donate should email [email protected].
Donate to the San Mateo County Strong Fund

The purpose of this fund will be to address the swift and unexpected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at a very local level by helping the most-impacted groups: individuals and families, small local businesses, and non-profits.

Click here to learn more and donate. 100% of the funds raised by the San Mateo County Strong Fund will stay in San Mateo County. Are you curious about how the fund works or have questions? Click here to view a list of FAQs.
Community Events (events not sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
Meals for Mills/Restaurant Rescue GoFundMe

Support the medical staff at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame while supporting local restaurants, too. Learn more on the GoFundMe page created by a Burlingame resident.
Stanford Medical Student COVID-19 Support Network Seeking Donations

Without proper equipment, healthcare workers and their patients are at greater risk of exposure for novel coronavirus. The Stanford Medical Student COVID-19 Support Network is running a drive for local hospitals in the Bay Area. The following types of personal protective equipment are needed:
  • N95 masks, or surgical masks of any kind
  • Goggles/face shields
  • Clorox wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Isolation gowns

Please note the two drop off locations below.

Site 1: Menlo Park Safeway on El Camino Real today from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Site 2: San Antonio Safeway in Mountain View on Friday, April 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00; Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and, Sunday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Shop Burlingame - your tax dollars support City services!
A message from the Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce