December 5, 2019
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade - Rain or Shine!

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade will kick off at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow - rain or shine! Grab your umbrellas and bring the whole family. Depending on the weather, the Ceremony may be moved indoors to City Hall Council Chambers at 501 Primrose Rd. The City looks forward to seeing you there and kicking off the holiday season together.
Downtown Street Closures and Parking Restrictions Tomorrow

On Friday, December 6, the City of Burlingame and the Downtown Burlingame Business Improvement District will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade. The tree lighting will take place in front of City Hall at 480 Primrose Rd. at 5:00 p.m., followed by the parade on Burlingame Avenue.

The following streets will be closed for this event:
  • Burlingame Ave., from California Dr. to El Camino Real 
  • 200 and 300 blocks of Lorton Ave. 
  • 200 through 500 blocks of Primrose Rd.
  • 200 block of Park Rd. 
  • Area around City Hall

Parking in the area will be limited, and parking restrictions may be imposed around City Hall, Burlingame Ave., and the parade route. Visitors to the area are encouraged to use public transportation. Drivers in the area should be patient, consider alternate routes, and arrive early. Thank you for your cooperation!
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Draft Recommendations

Draft recommendations for Burlingame’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan are now available for public comment on the project website , WalkBikeBurlingame.com. Visit the website and use the interactive input map to view the details on the draft recommendations. Participants may "like” or “dislike” specific recommendations and offer comments on the proposed network of bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The website will remain open for public comment over the next couple of months and will close on February 20, 2020. The City of Burlingame values the input of all Burlingame residents and appreciates everyone’s participation during this process. 
Follow Us Around Town

Have you seen Burlingame’s latest cute dog pics, witty library Instagram posts, and weekly environmental tips? 



Storm Season Is Here

How the City Prepares for Storm Season

The Public Works Department has been working to minimize flooding with the implementation of storm drain improvement projects. Listed below are some ways the City prepares to be storm ready:
  • Monitoring and controlling stormwater pump stations
  • Allocating additional staff to be on standby during storms
  • Inspecting and cleaning trash capture devices installed in catch basins, as well as "hot spot" areas that historically have issues during storms
  • Conducting weekly street sweepings to help remove leaves and debris off the ground and out of storm drains 

How the Community Can Prepare for Storm Season

Community members are encouraged to take precautions and prepare for the upcoming storm season. Here are some tips on how you and your neighbors can be storm ready:
  • Adopt a drain - Keep the top of storm drains clear of debris and litter. By adopting a drain, you can receive free cleaning supplies to help keep our creeks and the Bay cleaner by making sure only rain enters the drain. Plus, you can name your adopted drain. 
  • Find your street sweeping day – Remember to move your car off the street on the morning (or night before) sweeping occurs on your block. 
  • Make sandbags for your property – Visit the sandbag station at 600 California Dr. 
  • Capture rainwater to store water for future use – Get up to $100 back for each qualifying purchase and installation of a rain barrel. See www.bawsca.org for more details and an online application. 
  • Sign up for emergency alerts – SMC Alert is San Mateo County’s alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations. You can set up alerts to be sent to your email, mobile phone, and/or landline phone. 
  • Know your flood zone designation and your specific flood hazard. Obtain flood insurance if you are in a high-risk flood area. 
  • For property owners with natural creek beds on their property, protect stored material in your yard from washing into the creek and remove foreign objects/debris/tree limbs from the creek beds.
  • Is your property under construction? It should have these best management practices in place to prevent construction material or waste from leaving the property and entering the storm drains.
Winter Reading at the Burlingame Public Library

The Winter Reading program has begun, and reading logs are now available for pick up! Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Participation is easy. Read at least 15 days, mark a snowflake on your log for each day you read, and receive one raffle ticket for every five days of reading. Turn in your reading log no later than January 11, 2020. You may complete more than one log for additional opportunities to win!
Turn the Parks and Recreation Department's Programs Into Your New Year's Resolution Solution!

What are your plans for 2020? Do you resolve to live a healthier lifestyle, explore a new hobby, or spend more quality time with your loved ones? Look no further! Registration has begun for the winter 2020 season of classes, programs, and events for kids and adults. The Activity Guide should be arriving to your home soon, but is currently available online.  Click here to register online.

The Activity Guide also includes dates for a fun line-up of special events, including the Royal Ball, visits with Santa, sing-a-long movie events, and the Summer Camp Fair! 
Burlingame's Green Business Award Nominations

It's time to nominate your business or a fellow business for the Burlingame Green Business Award. Awards will be presented at the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on January 10, 2020. Send nominations, including a brief summary of environmental achievements, to smichael@burlingame.org. Nominations are due by December 30, 2019. Awardees must be members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Here is a list of past awardees:
Toilet Rebate Program is Ending This Year

If you have not replaced your toilet in over 20 years, now is the time to do so before the high-efficiency toilet rebate program ends on December 31, 2019. Burlingame residents are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $100 per toilet when replacing an old one with a qualifying model. Eligible toilets must be MaP Premium toilets that use 1.06 gallons per flush or less. Note that toilets that use more than 1.1 gallons per flush are not eligible to receive a rebate. For a complete list of qualifying MaP Premium toilets and online application form, please visit http://bawsca.org/conserve/rebates/toilets.
The U.S. Census Bureau Is Recruiting

The US Census Bureau is recruiting to fill important positions, including census takers, for the 2020 Census. Jobs start at $24 per hour, and most jobs are paying $30 per hour and up!! Applications take at least a couple of months to process, so apply soon. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at 2020Census.gov/jobs. Call 855-JOB-2020 with questions, or to obtain more information or assistance.
Local Discounts on 2019 EVs

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV)? It’s a great way to save on fuel, eliminate smog checks, dramatically reduce car maintenance, and drive clean.

Local dealerships, in partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy, are offering huge discounts for 2019 EV and Plug-in models through the end of the year. 

  • Honda of Serramonte, $4,700 discount for Clarity Plug-ins⁠
  • Nissan of Burlingame, $4,500 discount for Nissan Leafs⁠
  • Peter Pan BMW, $3,600 discount for BEV and REX models⁠
  • Putnam Chevrolet, $13,500 discount for Bolts⁠
  • Serramonte Ford, $4,200 discount for Fusion Plug-ins⁠
  • Steward Chrysler, $2,600 discount for Pacifica Plug-ins⁠
  • Toyota 101, $5,000 discount for Prius Plug-ins⁠

For more info, click here or contact the dealership.
Events Around Town
Early Onset Alzheimer's Documentary Screenings: "Too Soon to Forget"
December 10 at 6:00 p.m. and January 30 at 2:30 p.m. 
Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave.

Come to a screening of the new documentary "Too Soon to Forget," which follows individuals and families living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. A question and answer session will follow the screening.

"Too Soon to Forget" showcases the importance of community in facing the journey of Alzheimer's, and shares the experiences and perspectives of nine families who have been affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s. This program is brought to you by the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department, the Peninsula Health Care District, and Catholic Charities Aging Support Services. Kindly RSVP to 650-558-7300.
Save the Date - Royal Ball
January 11, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave.

For ages 3-11 years old, accompanied by an adult. $50 per couple for residents and $58 per couple for non-residents.

The Royal Ball will be here before you know it! Get dressed in your best outfit and prepare to dance the night away with your date. Princesses and princes (ages 3-12) may ask anyone (over 18 years old) to accompany them as their evening companion. A great feast will be provided along with a royal Master of Ceremony and DJ. Click here to register, or call 650-558-7300.
Community Events (events not sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
‌
Shop Burlingame - your tax dollars support City services!
A message from the Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce