City Manager's Weekly Email
aka "The Blast"
City News
The City of Brisbane is committed to safeguarding the Health, Safety, and Welfare of our community. We will take a concerned, compassionate, and considered approach in all of our actions.
Important Messages from the Brisbane Police Department
This week, we wanted to highlight a number of Police and enforcement-related matters to address the community’s concerns as they relate to the Health Officer’s Order of March 16, 2020 . Please see below. 
 
DMV issues:
 
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began offering Californians essential services online as of today to continue processing critical transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Field offices are being temporarily closed to the public statewide and will reopen, virtually, on April 2. The temporary closing of offices is the latest in a number of actions the DMV already has taken during the coronavirus pandemic, including r equesting California law enforcement to exercise discretion , for 60 days beginning March 16, before issuing citations for driving with a recently expired license or vehicle registration. Therefore, BPD will only be enforcing those issues that pose an imminent danger to the public’s health and safety during the 60-day period.
 
Social Distancing:
 
The health order mandated by the County Health Officer does not require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from those individuals that are allowed to work during this mandate. PPE such as gloves and masks are highly encouraged, but not required by the order.  The order states: “at all times as reasonably possible to maintain a social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence”; we ask that violations that are reported to BPD be outside these parameters. Note: For essential construction projects such as the Water Main Replacement Project on Kings Road, 6 ft. of social distancing may not always be attainable due to the nature of the construction work being performed (i.e. bolting fittings onto a 10” water main pipe located in a trench). Also, BPD has investigated complaints made regarding the Great Commission Fil-Am Church located on San Bruno @ Mendocino. Officers found that they were not in violation of the health order – they were actually live-streaming their service and had 8 people present (a 3-person band, the pastor, two assistants, and a 2-man video crew). Also, all were adhering to the 6’ social distancing requirement. An officer will check again this weekend to ensure they are continuing to adhere to the order.

Abandoned Vehicles :

During this time, the Police Department encourages the cooperation of citizens on not reporting abandoned vehicles, however, if you feel that the parked vehicle is suspicious as to where it is parked, please call the Police Dispatch Line (415) 457-1212 so that our officers can investigate further. Note: many cars are not being moved for an extended period of time due to the Shelter-in-Place order, and the City of South San Francisco, who we contract with for street sweeping, has also suspended street sweeping operations at this time – not only in Brisbane, but in SSF as well.  
 
If you want to report a violation of the Health Officer’s order, please call the Brisbane Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line at (415) 467-1212. If you have questions about the Shelter-in-Place order, please email healthorderFAQ@smcgov.org or view the County’s Shelter-in-Place FAQs . If you are a business and are not sure if you are required to shut down at this time, please call the County’s New Legal Call Center, (650) 363-4588.
Federal, State, County, and City COVID-19 Updates
The CDC's "What to Do if You Are Sick" Resource Page
Click here to view the "What to Do if You Are Sick" page on the CDC website.Once there you can follow the steps to see if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Another helpful feature on that page is the Self-Checker clickable button. The purpose of the Coronavirus Self-Checker is to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19.
Physical Distancing - A Better Way to say "Social Distancing"
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom gave a press conference where he said he preferred the term “physical distancing” over social distancing, as that is actually what Californians are mandated to do right now – to keep our actual, physical space from those outside our household to prevent further spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean that socially we have to disconnect from our friends, family, and loved ones. It’s quite the opposite, and thanks to technology, we are now using more mechanisms than ever to socially engage with one another. Please take a moment after you read this email to connect with someone via text, email, phone call or video chat.
San Mateo County Strong and Countywide Eviction Moratorium
At their 3/24 Meeting, the Board of Supervisors Launched the SMC Strong Fund with a $3 Million Donation. This will pr ovide emergency relief for residents, businesses, and non-profits hit hardest by California’s state-wide COVID-19 Shelter in Place order.

Also at this meeting, a countywide eviction moratorium was adopted, effective March 24th through May 31st.
Under this emergency regulation, renters would be liable for back rent 180 days following the termination of the emergency, the continuing need for which will be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors as the COVID-19 crisis evolves.
 
If you are a tenant and have received an eviction notice from your landlord, please call the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County at (650) 517-8911 for assistance, or visit their website, legalaidsmc.org .
Helpful Graphic Shared by San Mateo County Health
This graphic refers to the number of people exposed to each other, while practicing and not practicing proper physical/social distancing.
County Closes All Parks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
San Mateo County Parks will close all parks at
6pm today, Friday, March 27, to slow the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. County parks will remain closed until further notice.

The decision comes following a surge in visitors last weekend and observations of park and trail use during the past several weeks. San Mateo County Parks manages 23 parks and was keeping 17 open as of this week. Click here to read more.
Sign Up for the SMC Alert System
Please sign up for SMC Alert if you haven't already. An alert went out this week to all Brisbane residents signed up on text/email alert system.

Signing up is easy. Simply text "94005" to 888-777 or register an account so you can opt-in for email and/or text messages from other cities.
The resource page on the City’s website, www.brisbaneca.org/coronavirus , continues to be updated on a near daily basis. Please check it frequently to see the latest COVID-19 information as it relates to Brisbane.
A Reminder from the City's Utilities Team: Only Flush the 3 P's
The City’s Department of Public Works reminds the public that during the Coronavirus crisis and every day: Only flush the 3 P’s - pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. Any other material - such as cleaning/disinfecting wipes, “flushable” wipes, baby wipes, facial tissues, towelettes, and paper towels - can cause clogs and sewer overflows that further impact public health and our environment. Thank you for helping prevent the next sewer overflow!
Short-Term Rentals in Brisbane
This is a stern reminder of the fact that, as it stands, short-term rentals are not allowed in Brisbane. Just prior to us entering this mandatory Shelter-in-Place order, the Planning Commission had moved to recommend to the City Council to prohibit no-host short-term rentals in town. Due to the Council wanting maximum public engagement for what is already known to be an issue of top concern in the community, the City Council has deliberately chosen not to agendize this item when residents are required to stay at home.

If you are using sites like Airbnb to rent a room in your home, you should know that they now offering Guests full refunds and Hosts no charge cancellations for reservations booked on or before March 14th with a check in date of April 14th or earlier. Not adhering to this is not only illegal, but it's inviting the virus into our community and to that we cannot tolerate and will be ensuring enforcement takes place.

On Thursday afternoon, the homeowner of this house on the 200 block of Humboldt was left a citation from our Code Enforcement Officer, with the directive to remove their listing from Airbnb within 24 hours. The homeowner has since complied and therefore will not incur steeper citations.

We ask that our Brisbane community continue to show kindness during this very difficult time. It would help us all while the Police Dept. and the officers do their jobs. The health, safety, and welfare of the community remains our top priority.
#smileBrisbane
The Brisbane Parks and Recreation Department’s motto is “making memories”. With their new #smileBrisbane campaign, they’re focused on doing just that, and are finding ways to do so remotely. Don't miss the Teddy Bear Hunt, taking place throughout town starting tomorrow!
San Mateo County Libraries Unveils New Text Messaging Service
Have A Question? Text Us!
Getting help from SMCL's knowledgeable librarians has never been easier. They’re excited to launch a new text messaging service, making real-time support available at the tip of your fingers.
 
Here’s how it works: simply save the number (650) 851-0147, and then text in your library-related questions. They’ll send you a friendly, helpful reply as soon as possible. The new texting service is available seven days a week between 9 AM and 5 PM. Follow their  blog  for more information on this service. 
New Brisbane Library Construction Nearly All Closed Up
Based on the 3/16/20 San Mateo County Health Officer Order, the Brisbane Library general contractor was ordered to cease all non-essential operations effective 12:01 AM 3/18/20. The contractor does have responsibility to care for the work until its final completion and acceptance by the City; therefore, they are allowed to have staff onsite to meet those requirements, provided that staff maintains compliance with the Health Officer’s direction on social distancing. They may be there periodically through the order.
Brisbane Food Delivery and Pick Up Options
Brisbane Chamber of Commerce Scholarships Now Available
The Brisbane Chamber of Commerce would like you to know that they're currently accepting scholarship applications! Click here for more information and to apply. Scholarship applications are due by April 17th. Completed applications can be emailed or mailed to:

Brisbane City Hall
c/o Brisbane Chamber of Commerce
50 Park Place
Brisbane, CA 94005
Brisbane Lions Club Scholastic Achievement Award Applications
Note: The deadline for Lions Club Scholarships has been extended, date to be determined…stay tuned!
Caltrain to Implement Additional Weekday Service Reductions
Due to significant reductions in ridership resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Caltrain will further reduce weekday train service indefinitely starting Monday, March 30.

The modified weekday schedule will operate 42 trains per day, rather than the usual 92. Trains will make all local weekday stops between San Jose and San Francisco every 30-60 minutes, depending on time of day. Caltrain will continue operating two Gilroy service trains during the morning and afternoon peak commute. Limited and Baby Bullet service will be suspended until further notice.

The updated weekday schedule is available at www.caltrain.com .
Water Main Replacement Project | March 23-April 7 UPDATE
Essential construction projects, where, if halted, could negatively impact the health, safety, and welfare of the community, are being allowed to continue at this time, such as the Water Main Replacement Project on Kings Rd., up through the new main line being safely placed.

Kings Road will be closed in 500’ sections to all through traffic, including driveways, which started on Wednesday, 2/26. The road closures will be from 8am – 5pm, M-F. These closures, while inconvenient, are necessary as the crew starts the main line pipe replacement. Motorists are to refer to the signs directing them which way to leave. The contractors will deliver notices to residents, outlining which days they plan on being in front of their house and blocking their driveway access. 

A reminder that the City has made additional parking for residents available at the base of San Mateo Ln. @ Humboldt.

Please note the dates on all No Parking/Tow-Away signs that will be posted 72 hours in advance of enforcement; THESE SIGNS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED DURING THIS MAIN LINE INSTALLATION WORK

Emergency vehicles and pedestrian access will accommodated at all times, but please allow for additional time for safe access and egress. View our Water Main Replacement Project Story Map presentation to get more details of the work. Your continued cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated as the crew works to complete these important upgrades to the City’s water system.
Other Important City Calendar Dates in 2020
4/18 - Habitat Restoration/Earth Day
5/15 - Bike to Work Day
5/25 - City Hall Closed, Memorial Day
6/13 - Summer Habitat Restoration Day
6/26 - Concerts in the Park Kick-Off (Rock & Soul)
7/3 - City Hall Closed, Independence Day
7/10 - Concerts in the Park (Cajun)
7/17 - Concerts in the Park (Latin/World)
7/24 - Concerts in the Park (Prince Tribute Band)
7/31 - Concerts in the Park (DJ Dance Party)
8/7 - Concerts in the Park (Motown/R&B)
9/7 - City Hall Closed, Labor Day
9/26 - Coastal Cleanup Day
10/3 - 34th Annual Day in the Park & 14th Annual Derby
10/10 - 5th Annual Underwater Pumpkin Patch
10/12 - City Hall Closed, Columbus Day
11/3 - Election Day
11/10 - Veterans Flag-Raising Ceremony
11/11 - City Hall Closed, Veterans Day
11/26-27 - City Hall Closed, Thanksgiving
12/6 - Festival of Lights
12/12 - Habitat Restoration/Winter Planting Day
12/24 - City Hall Closed, Christmas Eve
12/25 - City Hall Closed, Christmas Day
12/31 - City Hall Closed, New Year's Eve
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