bhsBHS Students Envision Burlingame's Bayfront
Architecture students collaborate with City in the planning process 
 
In the picture below, Kevin Gardiner, Planning Manager with the City of Burlingame, works with students in Burlingame High School architecture classes to review their proposals for new uses and designs along the Bayfront. Several of these students will have their final products on display at the upcoming Community Workshop on Saturday, May 21 from 10am - 1pm at the Burlingame Recreation Center.  You, too, can get involved! Learn more at http://www.envisionburlingame.org/.


bicycleNational Bicycle Safety Month
Burlingame Police Department urges safe practices for bicyclists and motorists
 
The month of May is designated as National Bicycle Safety Month. The Burlingame Police Department would like to bring an awareness to bicycle safety in San Mateo County. Bicyclists and drivers both make mistakes that can contribute to collisions, but when a collision does occur it is the cyclist who is likely to be injured or killed. Everyone should follow the rules of the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey all the same rules as cars. Cars need to share the road with bicyclists. The Burlingame Police Department will be patrolling the streets to enforce vehicle code violations that reinforce safe bicycling. Bicyclists and cars will be subject to enforcement. The goal is to bring awareness to both motorists and bicyclists to be safe and share the road.

Some safety tips for bicyclists:
  • Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Never ride out into the street suddenly from a driveway, alley or from between parked cars.
  • Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
  • Use proper lighting equipment at night.
  • Do not ride impaired.
Some safety tips for motorists:
  • Do not turn in front of a bicyclist suddenly.
  • Slow down when overtaking a bicycle and give sufficient clearance (min. 3ft).
  • Do not drive in lanes designated for bicycles.
  • Signal your intentions so others can anticipate what you are going to do.
  • Pay attention to the road - do not text or talk on your cell phone.
Do your part to make every street a safe place to ride a bicycle and promote safe driving habits. For more information on safe bicycling tips visit www.nhtsa.gov/bicycles
 
Pictured: Matte, black, "Z" series 2-door convertible BMW of suspects caught on surveillance video.
burglary Attempted Residential Burglary
Burlingame PD seeks help identifying suspects

On Monday, May 2, at approximately 11:50 a.m., two suspects attempted to break into a residence in the Easton Addition-North neighborhood of Burlingame. The suspects were described as follows:
  
Suspect 1- African American male in his twenties
Suspect 2- Hispanic male or light skinned African American male
  
The suspects were interrupted while attempting to break into the rear of the residence by the home owner, who had heard someone ringing her doorbell earlier, but did not answer the door. Upon seeing the homeowner through the rear door they were trying to break into, the suspects immediately fled in the vehicle pictured above.
  
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have information regarding this crime, please contact the Burlingame Police Department at (650) 777-4151.
turfArtificial Turf
Free program examines pros and cons

Two experts on synthetic turf will explain the pros and cons of grass replacements at a free program at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library. Presented by the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame, the program also will feature a short ESPN documentary called "The Turf War."

The use of crumb rubber for school playing fields has sparked debate in several communities on the Peninsula. At the program, called "Turk Talk: Are Artificial Fields Toxic?", Lou Duran, public works supervisor at the City of San Carlos, will explain why his city decided to switch from crumb rubber to corkonut, which is made from coconut shell fiber and cork.

David DiGeronimo, sales manager of Astroturf, will discuss the costs and benefits of synthetic fields and will provide a hands-on sampling of alternative infill materials. DiGeronimo has been involved in the development of artificial fields for more than15 years.

The ESPN documentary clip describes growing concern about a suspected link between crumb rubber and cancer.

Crumb rubber was initially created as a beneficial way to recycle the more than 300 million tires discarded in the U.S. annually. Now some people are questioning its safety. Past federal studies have been inconclusive and the use of crumb rubber continues.  In February, the federal government announced an action plan to answer questions raised about crumb rubber. The California State Senate has rejected attempts by State Senator Jerry Hill to introduce legislation to suspend use of crumb rubber this year and last year.

In the City of Burlingame, all public parks have natural grass, and a majority of school fields have synthetic turf using crumb rubber. Grass provides benefits of cooler temperatures and natural materials, but uses lots of water and fertilizer and cannot be used heavily during the rainy season. Technological advances have made some non-rubber infill materials available for those who choose to go the synthetic turf route.  School officials and representatives of the Synthetic Turf Council have been invited to share their perspectives at the program.

"Turf Talk" will take place from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road. This program is free and open to the public. Door prizes will be given out, including extras for those who don't drive alone to this event.  One lucky attendee will win two Premier Midfield tickets valued at $190 to the San Jose Earthquakes vs. L.A. Galaxy California Clásico match on Saturday, June 25.

newbinsRecycling and composting makeover at City Hall
New bins arrive at City Hall and the Recreation Center

Recycling and composting got a makeover at City Hall with the arrival of new bins. The attractive bins are made from recycled plastic and were paid for by a grant from CalRecycle. Look out for the new bins in City Hall's and the Rec Center's lobbies.

Unsure about what trash item goes in what bin? Take this short waste quiz  to sharpen your knowledge. Also, please take a moment now to provide your input on Burlingame's waste services with this 5 minute survey.
pollworkersCounty Elections Office Seeks Poll Workers
Election Officers to serve in this year's June 7 Presidential Primary Election

As this year's June 7 Presidential Primary Election gets closer, the San Mateo County Elections Office is calling on you to serve as an Election Officer, also known as poll workers, at polling places on Election Day.

For a countywide election, the Elections Office recruits and trains up to 2,000 Election Officers. On Election Day, their duties include opening and closing polling places, setting up voting equipment, issuing ballots, providing assistance to voters and maintaining the order at polling places. They are responsible for the smooth operation of all polling places on Election Day. They are there to ensure that every single voter can cast his or her ballot successfully. Election Officers are at the frontline of an election, and they are truly the faces of our democracy.

To become an Election Officer, the signup process is very easy. You can call the Elections Office at 650-286-2810. Their staff will be happy to take down your information and sign you up. You can also visit www.shapethefuture.org to sign up online. The process only takes a few minutes. After signing up, you will be required to take a three-hour training, and you will receive an Appointment Letter. You will be paid a stipend of up to $148.
cecCEC Presents Check to City
Burlingame places 3rd and wins over $16,000!
 
Back row (left to right): Council Members, Emily Beach and Michael Brownrigg, and Vice Mayor, Ricardo Ortiz. Front row (left to right): City Sustainability Coordinator, Sigalle Michael, CEC Board Member, Terry Nagel, Council Member, Donna Colson, CEC Board Member, Jeff Londer, Mayor Ann Keighran and CEC Board Member, Mike McCord.
In this picture, the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame presents a "check" to the Burlingame City Council at Monday evening's City Council session.
 
The City of Burlingame earned third place among 22 cities statewide in the CoolCalifornia challenge, a competition that pitted city against city as residents took action and tracked their efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. CEC representatives were honored at the April 21 Green California Summit in Sacramento.  Way to go Burlingame!
EventsEvents Around Town
Burlingame Chamber Fresh Market is Back
Thursdays beginning May 5 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
The popular mid-week market is BACK! Come out on Thursday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Park Road and Burlingame Avenue to shop the best of California's local produce and custom food products, including your favorite Organic fruits, nuts and vegetables from San Mateo County farmers
Downtown Burlingame Sidewalk Sale
Friday-Sunday, May 6-8
Visit participating shops on Park, Primrose, Howard, Donnelly, Chapin, California and Burlingame Avenue

Visit the downtown Burlingame sidewalk sale and get great deals on apparel, clothes, accessories, gifts, stationary, toys, books and more!

On Sunday only, Buki the Clown and Oliver Twist (ballon artist) will be under the pergola on Burlingame Avenue and Park Road from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
A New Electricity Option
Tuesday, May 17 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road

The City is hosting a workshop with the County of San Mateo on Peninsula Clean Energy to explain a new option starting October 2016 to purchase electricity with higher renewable energy content and at competitive rates.
 
Peninsula Clean Energy is a community choice energy (CCE) program that allows local governments to pool the electricity demands of their communities to purchase power with high renewable energy content and reinvest in local infrastructure. Peninsula Clean Energy is similar to other CCE programs in the Bay Area including ones in Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco counties. Join us at the workshop to learn how Peninsula Clean Energy works and the electricity options available. More Peninsula Clean Energy information is available here and here.
CommCenterCommunity Corner
(The community events listed here are not sponsored or endorsed by the City of Burlingame)
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Meetings held weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church at 1500 Easton Drive

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, "FA", is a twelve step recovery program for people who suffer from food obsession, overeating, bulimia and under-eating. Everyone is welcome at meetings, including those who think they may have a food problem or those who are concerned about someone who may. For more information or a list of additional meetings please visit www.foodaddicts.org.
WamJam - Washington Elementary Family Festival
Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m (date corrected from last week's listing)
801 Howard Avenue, Burlingame
 
Join your Burlingame friends and neighbors at Washington Elementary School's annual spring family festival!  There will be rides and games for all ages including Laser Tag, Spider Mountain, and Vertical Rush for school aged kids and Frog Hop, Duck Pond and Bean Bag Toss for the little ones.  Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, hair braiding and a live DJ.  Local food trucks, Canasta Kitchen, Whisk on Wheels, Cluck It Up and Cookies n' Cream, will be there for food and refreshments.  
Getting Started With Girl Scouts
Tuesday, May 10 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary School

Is your daughter interested in making friends and having fun while building character, confidence and courage? If yes, then you should think about having your daughter join Girl Scouts. Parents and caregivers of kindergarten to 3rd grade girls can find out how to join Girl Scouts and help form a troop at your school at this informational meeting.  Troops are forming for the next school year. This meeting is for families of all the Burlingame schools.  Child care will be provided.
For more information, please contact Kavita Nandra at  knandra@girlscoutsnorcal.org. 
Runner's Nutrition 4-1-1
Tuesday, May 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Located at A Runner's Mind, 1111 Howard Avenue, Burlingame

Marily Oppezzo from the Stanford Runsafe program will be talking to YOU about how to fuel runs and to feel better with a little help from a nutritional expert! This is Part 4 of Stanford Runsafe's Education Series. Get more information or click here to register for this free program . 
A Runner's Mind's Summer Youth Programs
Class Times: Grades 2-5 (9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.) & Grades 6-8 (10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
Class Dates: June 27, 29 and July 1, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22)
San Mateo High School Track

Running is FUN! Join us where youth (entering 2nd - 8th grade in the fall) learn to run correctly, safely and will have fun in a non-competitive setting. Important personal and social skills will be emphasized- goal setting, hard work, being part of a team, and doing your best!

$70 per week which includes a technical t-shirt, hydration, snacks and much more! Register at www.burlingame.org/rec

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