April 25, 2019
Draft of 2030 Climate Action Plan Available for Review
Public Meeting This Saturday

The City of Burlingame has long been an advocate for and steward of the environment. The City prepared its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2009 to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Burlingame. Over the last decade, the City has implemented multiple programs and efforts to significantly reduce GHG emissions from City operations and the community, and is on track to achieve the 2020 GHG reduction goal set by the original 2009 CAP.

As part of the Envision Burlingame/General Plan Update, the City has been working on an updated 2030 Climate Action Plan. The draft has just been completed and is available for review at www.burlingame.org/climateactionplan. 

An informational presentation of the Draft 2030 Climate Action Plan will be made at the annual Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting this coming Saturday morning. The meeting will be held in the Lane Community Room at the Burlingame Public Library at 480 Primrose Road. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Click here to access the agenda and staff report for the meeting.  

Following the meeting, staff will gather public input on the Draft CAP to present to the Planning Commission and the City Council. For further information, please contact Andrea Pappajohn, Sustainability and Climate Management Fellow, at apappajohn@burlingame.org. 
Thank You From the City!

Construction projects are frustrating even under the best circumstances. They are loud, dusty, and disruptive. The City Council and City staff would like to extend a very sincere "thank you" to the residents and businesses impacted by the California Drive Roundabout project. We know the past several months have been challenging for the residents, businesses, and customers on Bellevue Avenue, California Drive, and Lorton Avenue. We appreciate your patience and commitment to improvement and safety. We'd like express our deepest thanks to the following businesses and their employees:

iTea Burlingame
Maite Nail & Skin Spa
Moda Eco Spa & Wellness
Occupants of the building at 340 Lorton Avenue
Occupants of the building at 345 Lorton Avenue
Vivaaa For Hair
Leaf Blower Ordinance

Did you know the City has a leaf blower ordinance specifying authorized days of use by neighborhood? 

An informational flyer and map are available on the City's web page about leaf blowers. The City encourages use of electric leaf blowers, raking, and sweeping whenever possible. If you’re in the market for a new blower, consider purchasing a reduced-noise and lower-emissions leaf blower.  Read about the City's use of leaf blowers below. If you have concerns about your neighbor's blower use, we suggest you gently share this information. If this doesn't work, contact the City's code compliance department.
The City's Use of Leaf Blowers

The Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department follows the 2012 Leaf Blower Ordinance. It only uses blowers in public parks, City facilities, and landscape areas on designated days, as set forth in the ordinance.
 
The Parks Division uses gas and electric powered backpack blowers that produce zero to low emissions (lower than the required EPA or CARB exhaust standards). The blowers have a specially designed muffled blower tube that lowers the noise decibels to the required 65 decibels. They also have an adjustable trigger that allows greater control over the amount of air flow produced, and the amount of noise created.
  
As the City's remaining gas blowers reach the end of their useful lives, most will be replaced with battery operated blowers to further reduce all emissions and greatly reduce noise levels. Currently, battery operated blowers are being used in high residential areas and facilities that have minimal pathway and hardscapes.
 
Parks Division employees are trained and constantly reminded to be conscious of circulating particles into the air, and only use the amount of air flow necessary to complete the task. 
Village Park Preschool Receives Solar Donation

Thank you Solar Pro Energy Systems and the Pariani family for donating a solar system to Village Park Preschool! 

As the first solar system on a City facility, the 5.88 kW solar system will produce almost 7,000 kWh (6,976 kWh) of electricity annually, and save the City almost $100,000 over the next 25 years. Solar Pro Energy Systems installed the system last weekend in only four hours. Many thanks to Solar Pro Energy Systems for their generosity.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Two Youth Events

In observance of this important topic, the Burlingame Public Library will host two very special events thanks to SafeSpace.org! Space is limited so please register for both events online. Both events will be held in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library at 480 Primrose Road.

Just Listen: Youth Voices Speak About Mental Wellness
Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

A panel of SafeSpace teens will present honest conversations about life in our schools and community, and the realities of student stress, social media engagement, and balancing commitments. This presentation is for young people and adults who care for and work with youth ages 11 and up.  

This Affects All Of Us: Helping a Friend in Crisis
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

SafeSpace teens and a local therapist will present a brief overview of youth mental health issues, and provide ideas for supporting a friend experiencing a mental health challenge. This presentation is for youth ages 11-20.  
Congratulations Burlingame Iron Panthers Robotics Team
World Champions in the FIRST Robotics Competition

Four days of competition. 403 robotics teams. 15,000 participants from around the world. 22,000 viewers. One amazing team!

Read the articles in the " Burlingame B" and " AP News" to get all the amazing details and see their fantastic victory pic. Learn more about the Iron Panthers by clicking here.
Burlingame Youth Advisory Committee Creates PSA About Vaping

The Burlingame Youth Advisory Committee has the important duty of advising the Parks and Recreation Commission and Recreation program staff about the concerns and interests of youth and teens in Burlingame. Examples of current youth and teen concerns and interests include: safety, recreation, alcohol and drug awareness, education, special interests, sports, community involvement, socialization, politics and policy, community development, and environmental concerns.

Each year the group decides on its main initiative. This year, the teen group is passionate about advocating for anti-vaping, with a specific focus on how marketing targets youth.

The Youth Advisory Committee took the initiative to create a public service announcement (PSA) highlighting the negative effects of vaping. Click here to view the PSA that was shared with the students at Burlingame Intermediate School and the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Thank you in advance for viewing this video and helping to create dialogue about this issue in our community. Thank you also to the Burlingame Police Department for their support of this initiative.
Environmental Tip of the Week
Drop Off Unwanted and Expired Medication at a Safe Disposal Site

This Saturday marks National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is a good reminder to get rid of unwanted and expired medication in your medicine cabinet. There are convenient, year-round disposal kiosks located at the Walgreens Pharmacy on El Camino Real and Burlingame Avenue and the CVS Pharmacy on El Camino Real near Murchinson Drive. For a list of other locations in San Mateo County, click here.
Events Around Town
Poetry and Community: A Concert 
Saturday, April 27, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Reading Room, Burlingame Main Library, 480 Primrose Rd.

The Burlingame Library and San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto present "Poetry & Community: A Concert", featuring San Mateo County Poets and the West Bay Community Band. This event is part of the San Mateo County Poet Laureate’s campaign, “Speak Poetry,” which aims to elevate and celebrate the literary arts and their roles in public life.
Conversations with Council for Seniors
Thursday, May 2, 10:30 a.m.
Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave.

Would you like to learn more about your local government? Are there concerns facing the community you would like to share with a City Councilmember? Do you have questions about projects going on around town? Seniors in the community are invited to the fifth Conversations with Council (formerly called Senior Listening Sessions). Vice Mayor Beach and Councilmember Ortiz look forward to listening to your ideas and addressing your questions. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to 650-558-7300.
Community Events (events not sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
"Gaza in Color: Stories from Behind the Wall" Art Auction
In progress now through May 2 at 9:00 p.m.

View paintings and make bids on art produced by six Gaza artists. This online event is hosted by Rebuilding Alliance which is a local nonprofit organization committed to advancing equal rights for the Palestinian people through education, advocacy, and support that assures Palestinian families the right to a home, schooling, economic security, safety, and a promising future.  
A Bridge Among Walls: Update from the Border
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Our Lady of Angels Gymnasium (behind the main church), 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame

Sister Norma Pimentel of the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen,Texas, will make a special presentation, “A Bridge Among Walls: Update from the Border,” sharing her on-the-ground observations and perspective on the humanitarian crisis on the border, in her community, and its impacts. Attend the presentation and hear Sister Norma's comments, straight from the Texas border. Attendance is free, and all are invited to attend.  Reservations and additional information are available via Eventbrite by clicking here.
San Mateo Financial Literacy Workshop
Tuesday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd, Colma

This free workshop is sponsored by Fiona Ma of the Office of the State Treasurer and David Canepa of the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors. Topics will include investing basics and savings programs for retirement, education, and people with disabilities.

Click here to register, or call 916-653-2995.
How to Start and Manage a Small Business
Thursday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SBA Entrepreneur Center, 455 Market Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, 94105

To succeed in business you need more than a good idea. You need to know all the important disciplines that contribute to making it successful.

This one day program allows you to learn from experts who have many years of experience in numerous businesses, including consumer to consumer, business to business, fee for service, and marketing and branding. You will gain unique insights into the legal requirements and options, accounting rules, insurance options, as well as financing.  Click here to register and learn more.

This class is hosted by SCORE which is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration providing training and free counseling for new and existing businesses.
Neither Snow, nor Rain, nor Heat, nor Gloom of Night… 
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m.
Lane Room, Burlingame Main Library, 480 Primrose Rd.

Please join the Burlingame Historical Society for a presentation on the history of the postal service in Burlingame, including an in-depth look at the former United States Postal Office located at 220 Park Road. Learn about its place in our history, its architectural significance, and the covenant meant to protect the integrity of its design in the event of a future remodel or re-purposing.
"Stark Raving Dad" Book Signing
Saturday, May 11, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 15, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Nuts for Candy, 1247 Broadway, Burlingame

Swing by local business, Nuts for Candy to purchase a book by Burlingame author and dad Sanderson Dean, who will be on hand for book signing. "Stark Raving Dad" is illustrated with the childhood art of the author's two sons who are currently students at Burlingame Intermediate School. 15% of all proceeds from books sold will go to the Burlingame Community Education Foundation.
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