June 10, 2021
This eNews contains informative graphics, pictures, and flyers. To get the most out of this weekly eNews, we recommend that you download all images prior to viewing.
What Changes on June 15?

June 15 is fast approaching! What can we expect with regard to capacity limits, social distancing requirements, and mask requirements?

What changes at the State level?

The four color tiered Blueprint for a Safer Economy program will go away. Most places (such as restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, etc.) may open with no capacity limits and no social distancing requirements. There will be limited exceptions for Mega Events. View this flyer for more detail.

Face mask guidance is more nuanced. Click here for the State's guidance on the use of face masks effective June 15. In general, for vaccinated persons, masks are NOT required except in schools, on public transportation, and in healthcare settings. For unvaccinated persons, masks are required in indoor public settings and businesses, with certain exceptions.

What changes at the San Mateo County level?

San Mateo County's capacity, social distancing, and mask requirements are in alignment with the State.

What changes in Burlingame?

To view a list of available City services and facilities that will open on June 15, please visit this webpage on the City's website.
California Drive Bicycle Facility Project
Survey Open Through June 18 (note: previous post listed June 10)

The City of Burlingame is seeking input from the community on the California Drive Bicycle Facility Project. Developed collaboratively with the community and formalized in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, the California Drive Bicycle Facility Project will further the City's commitment and efforts to address our community's needs by improving the existing bicycle network from south of Broadway to Oak Grove Avenue.

Share Your Thoughts! Take the Survey and/or Attend the Commission Meeting.

Click here to take the online survey and share your thoughts. By doing so, you will help us identify a design alternative that reflects the values, interests, and priorities of the community. The survey will be active through June 18.

In addition, there will be a public meeting tonight as part of the regularly scheduled Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission meeting. The goal of the meeting is to discuss and seek public input regarding the Project. Visit the Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission Meeting webpage for meeting details.
How to Save Water this Summer

Did you know that the average Burlingame resident uses 68 gallons of water per day? Burlingame's per capita usage is higher than most of its neighbors. With lower than average reservoir levels and snowpack this year and a heightened concern for a high fire season, it's important to enhance our water conservation.

Here are some suggestions:


Do you have a water conservation idea to share? Send it to smichael@burlingame.org so we can share it in this e-News!
Update to City’s Wireless Ordinance

At its May 24, 2021 regular meeting, the Burlingame Planning Commission considered a proposed Ordinance that would amend the City of Burlingame’s Zoning Code related to wireless facilities. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the proposed Zoning Code update. The City Council will consider the proposed Ordinance, along with other related items, at their June 21, 2021 regular meeting.

For more history on the City’s proposed wireless update, please see the summary below:
At its April 5 study session, the Burlingame City Council discussed the City’s need for a wireless ordinance update after receiving a presentation from staff and outside counsel. The City’s current Wireless Communications Ordinance Number 1870 was adopted on February 6, 2012 and needs to be amended in order to comply with new state and federal regulations.

Some of the regulations the City must comply with include federal law 47 U.S.C 332(c)(7), which regulates the time and manner in which the City may prohibit the provision of personal wireless services and 47 U.S.C. 1455(a), which addresses modifications to existing structures with an existing wireless facility. At the state level, sections 7901 and 2902 of the California Public Utility Code focus on wireless facilities in the public right-of-way. AB 556, which is pending before the State Legislature, would mandate the use of City light and traffic poles for use as wireless facilities.

In addition to updating the ordinance, the City will need to update design standards and location and installation preferences for wireless communication facilities.

Detailed meeting minutes from the April 5 study session are available here. Residents and community members interested in learning more about this topic are encouraged to watch a June 10, 2020 community webinar workshop led by City staff that discussed small cellular technology and the future of wireless in Burlingame.
Rental Assistance for Landlords and Tenants

Landlords and renters are encouraged to determine whether they are eligible for past and/or future rental assistance through the San Mateo County Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

  • Eligibility requirements
  • Application information
  • Flyers in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and English
Police Response to Unhoused Individuals

Did you know that the Burlingame Police Department partners with the nonprofits LifeMovesTelecare, and StarVista to offer assistance to those in our community struggling with homelessness?

A lot of this outreach is initiated by our officers. However, if you see someone who may be in need of assistance, is creating an unsafe condition, or is causing a disturbance, we encourage you to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 650-777-4100. Officers will respond immediately, assess the situation carefully, and take whatever action is warranted. This usually involves offering the person supportive services. Although these services are often refused, it is still important to call as sometimes it takes several offers before a person decides to accept the assistance, or there may be criminal activity taking place that needs to be addressed.
Thank You Boy Scout Troop 101!

The Parks and Recreation Department would like to extend a huge thank you to Boy Scout Troop 101 for their recent improvements to Skyline and Washington Parks. Brothers Luke and Owen Mariani approached Parks Superintendent Bob Disco with project possibilities that could have a public benefit. Together, they developed a plan for Owen to lead the design, construction, and installation of two picnic tables at Skyline Park, while Luke led the re-design and installation of a renewed Fragrance Garden in Washington Park. Both young men achieved success by researching and coordinating their projects with Parks staff's efforts and involving fellow troop members for additional assistance. These projects are the final steps for Owen and Luke to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. We are grateful to both for their wonderful contributions to the Parks Division and congratulate them on this significant personal achievement and milestone!
Don’t Let Earthquakes Catch You Off Guard
Sign up for Free Earthquake Warnings

Earthquake Warning California is managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system. The warning system is designed to give California residents a few moments warning to take cover before shaking occurs.

To receive earthquake warnings, Californians can download the free MyShake App, which is available in the Apple App store and Google Play store.

To learn more about Earthquake Warning California or for industry/business resources to help spread the word with your employees, customers, and the public, visit earthquake.ca.gov.
Ordering a Meal Kit? Avoid This Pipe-Clogging Mistake

Have you used a meal delivery kit or purchased groceries online? If so, you probably received ice packs to keep your food cold. Many of these ice packs contain gels.

The City advises against pouring gel pack contents down your kitchen drain since these gels can clog your pipes and the city’s sewer system, leading to unpleasant sewage backups in your home.⁠

Instead, here are some tips on how to handle the ice packs that come with your kits:⁠

  • Reuse them. Keep them in your freezer for your next picnic or beach adventure.⁠
  • If the ice packs are not labeled, they may contain a form of glycol or other material that can be hazardous. Make a free appointment with San Mateo County Health to dispose of the gel packs as household hazardous waste.
  • If the ice packs are labeled as “non-toxic,” you may toss the whole thing in the garbage bin. ⁠
  • If the ice packs are labeled as containing 100% water, thaw them in the sink and empty the water down the drain. Place the plastic wraps in the garbage.⁠

As always, when in doubt, check out WhatBin.com for information on how to properly dispose of items.
Economic Development & Recovery
(not all events included here are sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
Burlingame Business Leader is Catalyst Behind County's $5.8M Fee Waiver Relief!

Yesterday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors authorized County Health to establish a permit fee relief program that would provide a one-time credit covering the costs of annual permit fees paid by certain local businesses regulated by the department. 

More than 5,400 businesses throughout the county will benefit from this $5.8 million fee waiver relief initiative, which was first presented to Supervisor Dave Pine by John Kevranian, President of the Broadway Burlingame Business Improvement District and owner of Nuts for Candy on Broadway. Congratulations and thank you for your leadership, Mr. Kevranian!

Free Training for Businesses from Facebook
Wednesday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Learn everything you need to know including setting up a business page, communicating with your customers, and managing and measuring your marketing.

Featured speakers include:
  • Sheryl Sandberg - Chief Operating Officer, Facebook 
  • Maria Palacio - Co-Founder, Progeny Coffee Farmers
  • Celena Ali and Maged Soliman - Co-Founders, Get Crafty Workshop
Mobile & Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics To Help Employers Get Their Employees Vaccinated!

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the state’s new "Employer Vaccination Toolkit" to help make COVID-19 vaccines even more accessible for their employees.

Employers may arrange group appointments at nearby providers or set up a mobile or pop-up vaccination clinic at their workplaces by completing an online form at no financial cost to the employer.

The Toolkit also provides employers with vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, and other guidance for employees.

Click here to view the Employer Vaccination Toolkit. To read the full press release announcing the program, please click here.
Events Around Town
The Fresh Market!
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Park Road at Burlingame Avenue

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

  • Leave your pets at home, please. By order of the San Mateo County Health Department, no dogs are allowed in Burlingame’s Fresh Market.
  • Come to the market in good health; please stay home if unwell.
  • Wear face coveringsVendors 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.
Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission Meeting
Tonight! at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting agenda and access information is posted here.

Attend this regularly scheduled Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission meeting to learn more about the California Drive Bicycle Facility Project and provide input and feedback to the Commission. Learn more about the Commission here.
Summer Storytime
Fridays, June 11 to June 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Live on Zoom. Click here to register.

Are you ready for the summer? It's time to enjoy books about the beach, ice cream, and fun summer activities! Ages 0-6 years.
Buy In Burlingame!
Love Local. Buy Local. Choose Burlingame.
Visit Kerwin Galleries

Kerwin Galleries at 1107 California Drive has been a Burlingame business for over 55 years! It features a diverse and affordable range of early California art and works by contemporary local artists. Park in the rear and plan on staying awhile! A warm reception from Mercedes, Richard, and Mary and two stories of inspiring paintings and bronzes will have you wishing you could spend all day!


Would you like to highlight your Burlingame business? Email iyee@burlingame.org.
Community Updates (events not sponsored by the City of Burlingame)
Does Your Child Love to Sing?

This fall, St. Paul’s Choir School will embark on its 15th season of offering first-rate musical training in a nurturing Christian environment for youth in grades K through 12. Based in the rigorous and acclaimed Royal School of Church Music training program, the St. Paul’s Choir School develops each child's musicianship to the fullest, and also nurtures invaluable life skills of teamwork, leadership, discipline, and self-confidence.

Weekly in-person rehearsals are planned to resume in the fall. Carefully following current safety guidelines, youth will rehearse in St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Foote Hall, sing and record in the beautiful nave of St. Paul’s, and prepare for a July 2022 residency at Wells Cathedral, England.

For more information about joining the Choir School, click here and contact Director of Music Dr. Susan Jane Matthews at smatthews@stpaulsburlingame.org before July 7, 2021.
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A message from the Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce