Have you stopped in to see our newly renovated Main Library? In addition to opening up new spaces, the Library has added group study rooms and a new tech lab. Plus, we've added the Hoefer Teen Room, a space for young adults to study and socialize.  Come in for a visit and pick something up at the popular Burlingame Library Foundation's on going book sale. We look forward to seeing you!

Burlingame City Council Poised to Act

On April 1, 2015, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order mandating a 25% statewide reduction in potable urban water usage. In response, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) issued two draft regulatory frameworks designed to achieve the mandated water reductions. An SWRCB hearing and vote on these regulations is expected to occur no later than May 6, 2015.

In anticipation of these upcoming regulations, the Burlingame City Council met on April 20 to discuss water conservation and use reduction in Burlingame. The City Council plans to adopt a citywide action plan soon after the SWRCB finalizes its regulatory framework on water use in early May.

The City of Burlingame acknowledges and appreciates the water conservation efforts of its residents and businesses to date. As a result of your efforts, water consumption in Burlingame declined 20.3% between March 2014 and February 2015.

Since Burlingame purchases its water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), the City has already been coordinating with the SFPUC and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency to develop a plan for complying with the new water reduction directive.  The prohibitions currently in effect for residential customers include: 

• Washing down sidewalks and driveways;
• Watering outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff;
• Washing a motor vehicle with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle;
• Operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system;
• Irrigating turf or ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation (new prohibition); and
• Watering outdoors more than two days per week. 

For information on the drought and water conservation tips as well as the water use prohibitions, please visit the City's website at www.burlingame.org and click "Important Notice: Drought Emergency" on the top of the web page.

Parks & Rec Impacted by Drought

While it is the goal of the Parks & Recreation Department to provide healthy, safe and well maintained parks, landscape and athletic fields throughout the City, the City is committed to adhering to the new state mandated water restrictions.  The drought conditions and new watering restrictions will be challenging - especially on the athletic fields, due to the high volume of play.

Streets Alive! Parks Alive!

"Streets Alive! Parks Alive! is an annual event celebrating parks and public spaces in San Mateo County. This event emphasizes the importance of parks, healthy activity and quality of life.

The City of Burlingame will be celebrating Streets Alive on Sunday May 3^rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Burlingame Farmer's Market. Enjoy a local band performing throughout the morning while you buy fresh, local foods. Children can enjoy a cosmo jump, face painting, interactive class demonstrations and sports contests. Families can get active and participate in class demonstrations of Zumba, gymnastics, a variety of dance classes! Come and enjoy your City!

People of all ages and physical abilities have come together at Streets Alive! Parks Alive! events to be active, rediscover their neighborhoods, visit other communities, and experience the freedom of safe, public spaces.  Many cities have opened streets and highlighted public places such as parks, plazas and trains as a way to promote healthy outdoor activity . Click here for more information and up-to date-info on events throughout San Mateo County! 

Over $500k Raised for Burlingame's K-8 Schools

The Burlingame Community for Education Foundation (BCE) hosted their biggest annual fundraiser, the BCE Dinner Dance and Auction, this past Saturday, April 18th, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame. It was the Foundation's second consecutive sold-out gala with 435 supporters attending. All proceeds from the event, which raised more than $500,000, will benefit Burlingame's K-8 public schools.

"This event is such an important part of our annual fundraising campaign. Last year, net profits from our Dinner Dance and Auction yielded over 30% of our $1,536,000 grant to Burlingame School District" said BCE President Emily Beach. "The spirit in that room on Saturday night felt inspiring to everyone, and the money we raised demonstrated this community's unwavering commitment to our public schools."

The Burlingame Community for Education Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer fundraising organization that helps the Burlingame School District sustain and enhance an exceptional public education for all K-8 students. For more information about BCE, visit www.bcefoundation.org. 

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday

Earth Day was yesterday, but it's not too late to celebrate. The City of Burlingame invites residents to take advantage of ongoing opportunities and upcoming events to save energy, conserve water, and help protect the earth.

Retrofit Your Home: The City has authorized Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs to operate in Burlingame to help reduce the upfront costs of energy efficiency projects.  Learn more about PACE programs in Burlingame and energy efficiency opportunities here.

Join Peninsula SunShares: The City has joined Peninsula SunShares, an initiative that offers discounted solar installations to local residents.  Register by June 30, for a free, no-obligation solar energy evaluation to see if solar is right for your home.

Attend the "Save Energy, Water, and Money," Presentation: Learn about home energy efficiency programs and rebates,  how to save on solar energy with Peninsula SunShares, and PACE financing for energy, water, and seismic retrofits to your home at the Burlingame Public Library on April 29, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Conserve Water: The City offers residents a $100 rebate for replacing old toilets with a high efficiency one and a $200 rebate for purchasing a high efficiency clothes water. Reduce outdoor water use by replacing your lawn with water wise landscaping. The Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency offers landscaping classes and tips.

Ride your Bike: Emissions from cars are the largest contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay Area and California. Try riding your bicycle in place of driving to work and stop at two upcoming events: Bike to Work on Thursday, May 14, and Bike to Shop on Burlingame Avenue and Broadway on Saturday, May 23.

For more information or questions on these programs, visit www.burlingame.org/sustainability. 

Free Owner/Builder Workshop this Saturday!

On Saturday, April 25, Joseph Cyr, Chief Building Official with the City of Burlingame and Rocque Yballa, Fire Marshal with Central County Fire Department will lead a helpful class for any homeowner who is thinking about performing the duties of an Owner/Builder on their residential project in the City of Burlingame.

A brief history of the California Building Codes will be presented, followed by a presentation on the pros and cons of being an Owner/Builder. Tips on hiring a contractor will be provided and there will be a question and answer session at the end of the meeting. The Central County Fire Department will provide a brief presentation and helpful hints regarding Fire Code requirements in residential structures.

Where:    Lane Room at the Main Library, 480 Primrose Rd.,  Burlingame, CA

RSVP:     Register by calling the Building Division at 650-558-7270 

Four speakers will explain a variety of ways to save money while making your home more energy and water efficient.

Speaker topics include Peninsula SunShares, energy saving programs and rebates offered by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, and various financing programs that allow property owners to finance the installation of energy, water and even seismic retrofit improvements on homes and businesses over time as part of their property tax payments.

Presented by the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame (CEC) and co-sponsored by the Burlingame Public Library, this program is free and open to the public. It will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Lane Community Room at the Burlingame Public Library at 480 Primrose Road in Burlingame. All program attendees will be eligible for a "Kill A Watt" electricity usage monitor that will be raffled off during the event. 

The Rotary Club of Burlingame will host its first Kentucky Derby Party on May 2, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy at 880 Runnymede Road in Woodside. This fun event will raise funds for the Club's scholarships and community giving programs.  Tickets cost $75 and may be purchased online.   

Visit the downtown shopping area April 24 - 26 to take advantage of great sales and prices! 

Click here for an interactive map of businesses in the downtown shopping area or download the iTunes app for business information and updates about sales and events.  

AYSO Soccer Registration, April 25th

Register at the Burlingame Recreation Center 

An AYSO registration event will be held at the Burlingame Recreation Center this Saturday, April 25 from1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Join the fun!  Each family attending a registration event will receive a special gift to celebrate 40 years of AYSO in Burlingame! Please visit www.burlingameayso.org for more info.