ConstructionCalifornia Drive Sewer Main Construction Update
Traffic affected October 7 - November 6, 2015

As part of 2015 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvements Program, the City's contractor, K.J. Woods, will be replacing a portion of the sanitary sewer main along California Drive, between Sanchez Avenue and Palm Drive. Construction work is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, October 7 and continue until November 6, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
The construction work will affect northbound and southbound traffic on California Drive.  At least one lane of traffic in both directions will be maintained at all times throughout the construction duration.  City staff will work with the contractor to minimize traffic delays and inconvenience.  Please use caution while driving through the construction area.  Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
DataBurlingame Police Data Online
Access crime maps, arrests and incident information

Did you know that local police data about calls, arrests and incidents is available on the Burlingame Police Department's website? Community members may  view the Police Department's crime map and access details about twenty types of calls and arrests including: fire & medical emergencies, traffic issues, burglaries, robberies, public disturbances, vandalism, missing persons, auto thefts, alcohol related incidents and more.  In addition, visitors to the site may view an up-to-date police bulletin and sign up for alerts.
ElectionNovember 3, 2015 General Municipal Election
Look for your ballots in the mail

On October 5, the Elections Office will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters in the County.  For this election, all registered voters, whether or not they are registered as permanent vote by mail voters, will receive their ballots in the mail.  Your ballot will be sent to you in an envelope that looks like this: 


If you do not receive your ballot by Tuesday, October 13, 2015, please let the Elections Office know by calling (650) 312-5222 or emailing [email protected].  The Elections Office will send you a new ballot and help you correct your mailing address, if necessary.

 

Also, if you haven't received your Sample Ballot Pamphlet in the mail, you can always review candidate statements and your sample ballot by logging onto https://www.shapethefuture.org/MyElectionMaterials/.  There you will find an electronic version of your Sample Ballot Pamphlet. 

 

For more information about the election, polling place locations in San Mateo County, and information about the candidates running for Burlingame City Council go to: http://www.burlingame.org/index.aspx?page=3434
NinoStrong El Nino Predicted to Bring a Wet Winter
Now is the time to prepare

Federal climate scientists are predicting that the El Niño weather pattern that's emerging could be one of the strongest on record. Too much rain in a short period of time can pose problems. With good preparation and some foresight, it's possible to reduce the impact of storm runoff on homes and businesses in Burlingame.

What should you do to prepare your property?
  • Clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris
  • Trim trees and landscaping; ensure that branches and limbs are clear of your structure and clear from overhead power lines
  • Inspect your roof for any signs of damage or needed repairs
  • Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items
  • Use sand bags in areas known for flooding around your property
  • Stabilize slopes on your property to prevent mud and landslides 
What is the City doing to prepare?
  • The City's sandbag station has been relocated to 600 California Drive (south of Oak Grove Avenue) and will open October 7. Sandbags are available to residents and business owners at all times. The station is self-service, but provides sand, shovels, and sandbags. There is a limit of 15 sand bags per property address
  • The winter street sweeping schedule was initiated early - utilizing two sweepers instead of one to address the abnormally early leaf fall due to the drought
  • City storm drains inlets have been visually inspected for sediment and debris
  • The City has conducted routine inspections of all storm water pump stations
  • Staff is inspecting historically problematic flood zones and storm pipe outfalls
  • Staff is performing annual creek maintenance in the City's five major watersheds 
In addition, the City has completed major storm drainage capital Improvements to increase storm water capacity and reduce flooding including:
  • 56 neighborhood storm drainage improvements totaling $4M since 2010.
  • Upgrade of the Marsten pump station to reduce localized flooding in the Easton watershed at the Grove Avenue/California Drive, El Camino Real and Broadway-Cortez residential areas
  • The Laguna Drainage Project along Carolan Avenue
  • Drainage Improvements in conjunction with the Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Project
  • Culvert crossing repairs at various locations throughout the City
  • Several other storm drainage capital improvements are in the design phase
RoundaboutCalifornia Drive "Roundabout" Project
Community meeting and presentation
 
The public is invited to attend the first community meeting for the California Drive "Roundabout" Project. The project seeks to place a roundabout at the intersection of California Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and Lorton Avenue in downtown Burlingame. The brief presentation at the community meeting will cover the reason for the project, detailed information about project elements, the benefits of roundabouts and how to use them safely, the proposed schedule, and potential changes to the area. More detail is available on the project's website.
                                                                    
Please join City representatives and project team members to learn about the project and give your feedback on design options. There will be an interactive question and answer period with the project team immediately following the presentation.

When: Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 pm
Where: Burlingame Recreation Center, Social Hall, 850 Burlingame Avenue

For more information contact Augustine Chou, Engineering Program Manager with the  City of Burlingame at (650) 558-7230 o r email [email protected].
SafetyCentral County Fire Safety Fair
Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 
Residents of Burlingame, Hillsborough and Millbrae are invited to the Central County Fire Department's first Safety Fair on Saturday, October 10 adjacent to Burlingame High School and Carolan Avenue.
 
The fair will include demonstrations by the Central County Fire Department (CCFD), the Burlingame Police Department, the Burlingame and Hillsborough Neighborhood Networks, volunteers with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, HAM radio operators, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services (OES).
 
Admission is free. The Burlingame Lions Club will sell hamburgers, hot dogs and other food.
 
During the Safety Fair, there will be presentations on a variety of topics, including what to do immediately after an earthquake, how to reunite with your family and communicate with them during a disaster, how to protect your pets, what to include in a disaster kit and how to operate a HAM radio.
 
CCFD firefighters will make sure car safety seats are installed correctly and Recology will collect discarded safety seats. Burlingame police officers will provide tips on reducing your chance of becoming a victim of auto burglary, residential burglary and identify theft. OES staff will invite fair attendees to register for SMC Alert, San Mateo County's emergency alert system.
 
The Burlingame Neighborhood Network will give presentations and will invite fair goers to participate in mini disaster drills that show how to check on the welfare of neighbors during a disaster and communicate their status to emergency responders
 
Talks and demonstrations will be held as follows:
 
10:30 a.m.     Suzanne Tateosian, BNN: Creating a family plan and community after a disaster
11:00 a.m.     BNN: Neighborhood emergency response drill
11:30 a.m.     Jeff Price: How to operate a HAM radio
12:00 p.m.     Suzanne Tateosian, BNN: What to do when an earthquake hits
12:30 p.m.     CERT demonstration
1:00 p.m.       Suzanne Tateosian, BNN: How to build an emergency kit
1:30 p.m.       BNN: Neighborhood emergency response drill

To view the flyer about the Safety Fair, click here .
CommissionThree City Commission Openings
Now seeking applications

Are you interested in finding a way to participate in your community? Then consider applying for appointment to the City of Burlingame Beautification Commission,  Parks and Recreation Commission or Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission! The City invites applicants to offer their interest, experience, and enthusiasm in service of their City. The Council is likely to appoint each Commission member to the full three-year term.  
  
Commission
 # Vacant Seats
 Application Deadline
 Link to Application
Traffic, Safety & Parking
 2
 Friday, October 9
 Application
Beautification
4
 Friday, October 16
 Application
Parks & Recreation
 2
 Friday, October 16
 Application
 
Please contact Ana Silva in the City Manager's Office at (650) 558-7204 if you have any questions. 
treesTrees Need Water!
Please help us maintain our urban forest

The City of Burlingame Parks Division encourages residents to remember to water their City trees as well as their private property trees especially during these warm months in order to help maintain our beautiful urban forest. Younger trees should receive at least 5 gallons of water every other week, not only to keep the tree from dying, but also to help the young tree grow and remain healthy throughout its life cycle. Likewise, all trees should receive regular watering, particularly during dry weather conditions. We are aware of recent drought restrictions but are asking residents to assist us in maintaining our beautiful urban forest by remembering to water.
  
A new Tree Inventory boasts a total of 16,250 City owned trees in the City of Burlingame, and for the last 36 years, the City of Burlingame (also known as "The City of Trees") has received the Tree City USA award. Our sincere thanks, as we all work together to maintain this important and prestigious recognition. If you should have any questions regarding City or Private Trees, please contact the Parks Division at (650) 558-7330.
EventsEvents Around Town
Community Choice Energy Presentation
Wednesday, October 7 from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road, Burlingame

The County of San Mateo and the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame invite you to a presentation by county staff learn how Community Choice Energy (CCE), also known as Community Choice Aggregation, works. This event, which is free and open to residents and business owners throughout the county. Light refreshments will be served.
 
County staff will explain why the County is exploring CCE and the formation of a program that would allow customers to choose between buying electricity from a CCE program called Peninsula Clean Energy. Peninsula Clean Energy customers would receive multiple electricity options with different amounts of energy content, at prices competitive with PG&E. Although prices may fluctuate, other counties that have created CCE programs have offered electricity at lower rates than PG&E and have invested in local renewable energy sources.
 
For more information about the proposal to offer CCE in San Mateo County, visit the county's website here: https://green.smcgov.org/community-choice-energy
Shop Fresh Market 
Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (May - November)
Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (year round)
Park Road and Burlingame Avenue
 
Seasonal produce, flowers and retail stalls. For more information, visit the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce website.
Compost Give Away
Saturday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
420 Carolan Avenue (at the Parks Yard near the grandstands)

The Parks Division, with Recology, will be offering a Compost Give Away. Residents need to bring their own shovel and are eligible for two large garbage cans full of compost. For further information please contact the Parks Division office at (650) 558-7330.
Energy Upgrades for Multifamily Buildings
Monday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
San Mateo Public Library, Oak Room, 55 W. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo

Owners of multifamily buildings are invited to attend a free workshop to learn about energy and water saving opportunities for their building. The workshop will connect owners to rebates and programs for free energy and water consultations and audits. Rebates up to $750 per unit are available for saving energy and water. For more information, visit here .
CommCenterCommunity Corner
(The community events listed here are not sponsored or endorsed by the City of Burlingame)
A Cappella Concerts
Saturday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, 1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame
 
The Fault Line A Cappella Chorus, San Mateo County's premier men's chorus, presents As Time Goes By - A Year In Song - featuring songs for all seasons. Also appearing will be Burlingame's Glee, a show choir comprised of Burlingame middle school students. Fun for the whole family!  2:00 and 7:00 shows. For tickets go to www.faultlinechorus.org.
Coffee With Jerry Hill, State Senator, 13th District
Tuesday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Il Piccolo Caffe at 1219 Broadway Avenue in Burlingame
 
Swing by for a cup of coffee and conversation on key legislative issues for 2015 and how they affect the community. No RSVP or appointment necessary. Bring your ideas, questions and concerns. Coffee will be provided at no taxpayer expense. Click here for more information.
CA High-Speed Rail Open House
Wednesday, October 7 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m; Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
Burlingame Auditorium at 850 Burlingame Ave

The California High-Speed Rail Authority will present information on the statewide program and provide information about the next phase of planning and environmental review. For more information go to www.hsr.ca.gov, click on the flyer that includes more detail, call (408) 277-1086 or email [email protected].
BSD's Ability Awareness & Tolerance Week Speaker
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m.
BIS Auditorium at 1715 Quesada Way in Burlingame

Ms. Wheelchair America 2016, Dr. Alette Coble-Temple, has fought the odds throughout her life. At birth, due to oxygen deprivation, she was given a 10% chance of survival and developed cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair and has a significant speech impediment. Despite being misdiagnosed with intellectual disability at the age of 5, she successfully advocated for inclusion in her local elementary school. She went on to earn a masters degree in sports psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She is a licensed psychologist and full professor at JFK University. She has been an advocate for the disability community for many years, which influenced her platform for the Ms. Wheelchair America contest: PRIDE - Parental Rights Includes Disability Equality. Come meet and hear from this amazing individual. She inspires with her words and her example.  This event is free and open to the everyone. No ticket is required.

           Shop Burlingame - your tax dollars support City services!

- a message from the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce