June 18, 2020
Chief Matteucci Issues New Statement

Burlingame's Chief of Police Michael Matteucci has issued a new statement regarding racial equity and the Police Department's policies and procedures on the use of force. For the full statement, click here. Below is an abridged version.

Dear Burlingame Community,

I would like to take this opportunity to update the community on some developments since my June 2 message. Before I do, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words of support, input, and suggestions. I would also like to thank everyone who has participated in marches and protests in Burlingame for ensuring that they remained peaceful.

I am happy to report that the Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to take former President Barack Obama’s pledge (sponsored by the Obama Foundation) to address police use of force policies.

In summary, the pledge calls for the following:

  • Review of police use of force policies.
  • Engagement of the community by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories.
  • Reporting the findings of the review to the community for feedback.
  • Reform of our community’s police use of force policies.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with community and City leaders to review and reform our department’s use of force policy as appropriate.

I am also happy to report that the Burlingame Police Department felt it necessary to make two immediate changes to our use of force policy prior to the review. Earlier this week we banned the use of the carotid hold, chokeholds and strangleholds by our officers. In addition, we added language that requires officers to utilize de-escalation techniques as an alternative to force when feasible. Our officers are all trained in de-escalation techniques and practice them routinely in the field; however, that specific language was missing from our policy.

I would also like to address the “ 8 Can’t Wait” campaign that so many of you mentioned in your messages to the Council and me. The Burlingame Police Department already has 7 out of the 8 in place in some fashion (see below for details). A closer look at the “8 Can’t Wait” will be part of the upcoming review. (Editor's Note: This section is abbreviated for the newsletter. Click here to read the complete text.)

  1. Ban Chokeholds and Strangleholds. In place. BPD Policy 300.3.4
  2. Require De-escalation. In place. BPD Policy 300.3
  3. Require Warning Before Shooting. In place. BPD Policy 300.4(b)
  4. Exhaust All Alternatives Before Shooting. In place. BPD Policy 300.4
  5. Duty to Intervene. In place. BPD Policy 300.2.1
  6. Ban Shooting at Motor Vehicles. In place. BPD Policy 300.4.1
  7. Require Use of Force Continuum. Currently not in place in Burlingame. The use of force continuum is an outdated model that has proven impractical, even dangerous, when applied in real life situations. Instead, our policies and training focus on the reasonableness and feasibility of other force options and de-escalation techniques.
  8. Require Comprehensive Reporting. In place. BPD Policy 300.7

In addition to the Use of Force policies we have in place, all of our officers receive Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). CIT trains law enforcement officers to become more adept at dealing with individuals in crisis, de-escalate potentially violent situations, and ensure the safety and diversion of individuals in crisis to a treatment center. We also utilize the San Mateo County Mental Health Assessment and Referral Team (SMART). This team provides first responders with immediate in-field assistance when needed.

The Police Department also partners with the non-profits LifeMoves and Star Vista for homeless outreach. These partnerships allow our department to offer compassionate assistance to those in our community struggling with homelessness.

Again, thank you all for the thoughtful responses. Wishing everyone peaceful times ahead.

Mike Matteucci
Chief of Police
San Mateo County Health Order Aligns with the State

Effective yesterday, June 17, San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has issued a new Order to fully align the County with Governor Gavin Newsom’s 4-stage Resilience Roadmap. The State is currently in Stage 2 of the Resilience Roadmap where retail, related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, child care, and essential businesses can open with modifications. When the State enters Stage 3, San Mateo County will also enter Stage 3.

The new Order also states: "[h]owever, this Order provides for certain additional behavioral restrictions to ensure continued social distancing and limit person-to-person contact to reduce the rate of transmission of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”)."

Below is a summary of the County's additional requirements:

  1. The County requires continued practicing of Social Distancing and Face Covering Requirements.
  2. Gatherings exceeding 50 people are prohibited.
  3. Social Bubbles are allowed.
  4. Businesses must implement and produce a Social Distancing Protocol and a written health and safety plan compliant with State guidance.

Detailed definitions of these requirements, including the definition of a Social Bubble, are provided on pages 5-10 of the Order.

Below is a summary of State resources available:

City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget

At Monday's City Council meeting, the Council adopted the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 Operating Budget and Five Year Capital Plan, following a public hearing. The “Budget Book” is now available on the City’s webpage here. Take a look and see how the City responded fiscally to the high level of revenue uncertainty that has resulted from COVID-19 in planning for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2020.
Pay for Monthly Parking Permits Online

Downtown employee monthly parking permits can now be purchased online. Effective July 1, parking meter requirements will resume and be enforced.  Click here for more details on how to purchase your sticker.
Downtown Burlingame Avenue Street Closure Pilot Program

The Burlingame City Council has approved the temporary street closure of Downtown Burlingame Avenue to implement a pilot program allowing safe outdoor dining and safe pedestrian activity.

Downtown Burlingame Avenue will be closed between El Camino Real and California Drive on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. through Sundays at 10:00 p.m. each week for one month beginning tomorrow, June 19. Primrose Road and Lorton Avenue intersections will also be closed to motorized vehicles to ensure safe pedestrian activity.

All restaurants, businesses, and members of the public must abide by San Mateo County Health Orders regarding social distancing measures, face coverings, and outdoor dining requirements. Parking will be available on side streets and City parking lots. View the Downtown Burlingame Avenue Parking Guide and Information for more parking details.
We appreciate your feedback, please email questions or concerns to dpw@burlingame.org.
Update on the Murray Natural Play Area

The City Council recently approved completion of Phase One of the Murray Natural Play Area. Over the next few years, new amenities will be added as materials become available (logs and stumps from removals in the City) and staff time permits. Click here to learn more about this project.
2019 Water Quality Report Released

The City of Burlingame is pleased to present the 2019 Water Quality Report. This report provides important information about where the City’s water comes from, how it is treated to ensure it is top quality, and the results of water quality monitoring performed by the City of Burlingame and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Click here to access the report.

For a hard (paper) copy of this report, or if you have any questions concerning the City of Burlingame’s water distribution system, please call the Public Works Corporation Yard at 650-558-7670.
A Brief History of the Gunst Estate in Washington Park

Brush up on your knowledge of Burlingame history by viewing this brief video produced by the Burlingame Historical Society. Be sure to check in next month for a new video.
Events Around Town
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Fresh Market - Open For 2020 Season
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Park Road at Burlingame Avenue

Please continue to follow these important tips for shopping the Fresh Market:

  • Come to the market in good health; please stay home if unwell.
  • Wear face coverings. Vendors will not be selling to anyone without a mask, and you will be asked to leave the market if you are not wearing one.
  • Wash hands/ refrain from touching your face.
  • Do not self-serve and retrieve sample direct from a farmer.
  • Regulate your own social spacing of 6 feet.
  • Wash all produce before consumption.

For more information, visit burlingamechamber.org.
Community Events (events not sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
SSMC's Week-Long Auction Ends with a Live Auction Tomorrow!

The public is invited to Sustainable San Mateo County’s (SSMC) first Virtual Auction, featuring State Senator Jerry Hill as auctioneer. The auction will conclude on Friday, June 19, when the Live Auction will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A preview from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 19 will explain how to bid. The auction site is at https://charityauction.bid/SSMC.

Live Auction items include:
  • 1-week stays at lovely homes in Twain Harte and Lake Tahoe
  • A sailboat ride on the Bay for 10
  • A luxury designer Swiss men's watch by Raymond Weil
  • A Paella Feast for 20 to 30 friends
  • A romantic Monterey package, including Aquarium tickets and dinner at Passionfish
  • You can see a preview of the Live Auction items on the auction site now at https://charityauction.bid/ssmc.

All proceeds will benefit SSMC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accelerating sustainability actions, policies, and best practices throughout San Mateo County.

Sustainable San Mateo County will honor its 2020 award winners at a Virtual Awards Celebration on Friday, July 10, from 6:30 pm. to 7:30 p.m., with a preview from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit SSMC at http://sustainablesanmateo.org.
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