The Burlingame Voice

Shop Burlingame/Broadway's Farmers Market

Farmers market sprouts new digs -Organizers say shop owners sent letter of complaint; merchants hope venue change will boost business (by Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer) If you're planning to go to the farmers market in Burlingame tonight, head for Broadway. With very little fanfare, organizers have suddenly decided to move the farmers market from its familiar location at the Burlingame Plaza Shopping Center on the 1800 block of El Camino Real more than a mile away to the Broadway corridor, where they hope it will infuse new life. Organizers sought the location change because property owners at the shopping center had complained about the farmers market, according to a letter sent to the city. The letter could not be obtained Tuesday because city department heads were on a retreat, but City Manager Jim Nantell said in a brief phone interview that the market will be set up tonight on Laguna Avenue, just north of Broadway, and next Wednesday possibly on Capuchino Avenue, also just north of Broadway. If it is moved to Capuchino Avenue, drivers in the area must be notified that they will have to be rerouted around it through a parking lot. "We will see how it plays out. If it seems to work out, we will possibly try it for the month of July," Nantell said. The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and businesses on Broadway initially asked to have the farmers market on Broadway, but that would have created traffic problems, Nantell said. It still could cause some problems with all the one-way streets in the area, he added. "We tried it at the plaza and the plaza landowners haven't really been supportive, so we are just going to move it," said chamber President Georgette Naylor. "The Broadway merchants really are excited about it." Businesses in the Broadway Improvement District have longed for a farmers market for a couple of years and the chamber approached them last week about the idea of moving it, said Ross Bruce, a broker at AVR Realty on Broadway and the improvement district's president. All the apartments and nearby residences make the area ideal for a farmers market, he said. The improvement district voted to approve the farmers market last Thursday. The city's other farmers market operates Sundays near Burlingame Avenue. "We would like it to be a nice addition to the neighborhood, not a source of frustration," Bruce said. "Broadway has a history of trying to do things to bring our neighbors onto the street." Some businesses had concerns about the market, but most of the merchants support the idea, Bruce said. "I think it's good for Broadway," said David Hinckle, owner of Earthbeam Natural Foods on Broadway. "It will bring more people." Hinckle said he expects the produce part of his business may take a hit from the farmers market, but his bread and butter - personal care and supplements - would thrive with such an addition to the neighborhood. Hinckle said it will be the first time a farmers market sets up around Broadway in the 37 years he has been in business. The farmers market did not get the word out because of how hastily the move was put together, but attendance should pick up as more people hear about it, Hinckle said. The improvement district voted to approve the farmers market location change last Thursday. "I think we are counting on a lot of people showing up. I think it will be nothing but good," Hinckle said.

- Written by Fiona

Next Safeway Meeting on Wednesday

The next Burlingame Safeway Working Group is tomorrow (Wednesday) between 7:00 and 9:30 pm in the Recreation Center. (see agenda) One topic of interest is an "Update on Downtown Specific Plan Process". The two groups (Safeway and the DSAP group) have been working on parallel paths. This is odd considering that the Safeway project is probably the largest piece of property up for development in our downtown. The Burlingame Safeway Working Group will be meeting again on Wednesday, July 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center.

- Written by Fiona

What to Do during the Hazy Days of a Burlingame Summer

Staycation: What's unique? (by Ann Tatko-Peterson, Contra Costa Times)

Staycation: What's happening?Staycation: What's free?Staycation: What's new?Staycations bring travel fun closer to home. Here are five unique things to check out this summer: 1. Winchester Mystery House 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose (408-247-2000, www.winchestermysteryhouse.com). This is like no mansion you will ever visit. Winchester Firearms heiress Sarah Winchester had a penchant for the bizarre, continuously building onto the 160-room mansion in an attempt to keep at bay the spirits of Indians and soldiers killed by Winchester rifles. The home includes doors and stairs that lead nowhere and hallways that dead-end. Three tours are available daily, except Christmas, starting at 9 a.m. 2. Bodega Bay Take U.S. 101 north to Central Petaluma exit and follow signs to Bodega Bay (707-875-3866, www.bodegabay.com). Here's where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds." Featured in the movie, Tides Wharf fish market and restaurant (800 Highway 1, 707-875-2751) burned down and was rebuilt in 1997. Near Campbell Cove beach, check out the Hole in the Head, a 192-foot-deep foundation where PG&E planned to build a nuclear power plant until residents blocked the project. And drop-in tours from 2-4 p.m. Fridays are offered at UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab (2099 Westside Rd., 707-875-2211, www-bml.ucdavis.edu). 3. Shanghai San Francisco Meets at base of Coit Tower (877-384-7843, www.shanghaisanfrancisco.com). This interactive theater company turns tourists into actors. Participants visit San Francisco locations while in character. Tours are only at 1 p.m. on weekends Reservations required. 4. Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia 214 California Drive, Burlingame (650-347-2301, www.burlingamepezmuseum.com). The world's tallest Pez dispenser is on display, along with hundreds of vintage Pez dispensers. Also on site is the Classic Toy Museum, with favorites including Tinkertoys and Mr. Potato Head. The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (except major holidays. 5. Safari West Wildlife Preserve & Resort 3115 Porter Creek Road, Calistoga (800-616-2695, www.safariwest.com). Get a taste of an African safari with three-hour tours in open-air safari vehicles and on foot. The 400-acre preserve is home to 400 exotic mammals and birds, including giraffes, gazelles and ostriches. Reservations required. Lodging also available.

### Some other ideas: (1) A walk in Mills Canyon - dogs on leashes are ok (link) (2) Ryans Ride (link) and the Burlingame Criterium on Sunday June 29 (3) A free library event which include movies, storytimes, etc. (link) (4) Sunday Afternoon Music in Washingon Park in July (link) (5) Family Swim Nights on July 11 and August 8 at Burlingame Aquatic Center (link) (6) Art and Jazz on the Avenue on August 9 and 10 (link) (7) A coconut or mango ice cream from Powell's on Howard (link) (8) A picnic in any of our Beautifully Maintained Parks (9) Shop Burlingame and Dine Burlingame!

- Written by Fiona

Planning Commission Meeting Tonight

Government Watch (Daily Journal) City government The Burlingame Planning Commission will consider an amendment to the use permit allowing a sixth floor to the professional office building as part of the Mills Peninsula replacement plan at 1783 El Camino Real/1501 Trousdale Drive. The commission will also consider a commercial design review for an Ace Hardware at 235 Park Road, the previous location of Kerns Jewelry. A parking variance will be considered at the same meeting to allow the conversion of retail space at 350 Lorton into a financial institution Wachovia Bank. At the same meeting, the commission will consider amending the rear setback of a three-unit residential condominium unit at 1459 Oak Grove Ave. The commission meets 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at City Hall, 501 Primrose Road. (full agenda)

- Written by Fiona

A Very Successful Bugs Hike in Mills Canyon.

This weekend the Friends of Mills Canyon hosted a Bugs Hike in Mills Canyon. About 40 people enjoyed finding dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, water striders and banana slugs - all with the expert advice of entomologist Shannon Gibbs, our hike leader. Take a look at the photos of the kids with their butterfly nets, (provided by the Friends of Mills Canyon) enjoying a morning of nature and fresh air in such a beautiful part of Burlingame!

- Written by Fiona

The Peninsula, my Home Sweet Home

Oh the Peninsula, my home sweet home (by Hannah Hoffman, Daily Journal)

Dear Peninsula, On behalf of all teens, I am sorry we bash you. I constantly hear teens complaining about the prices, the weather and the people. The less creative of us will even say you are boring and uneventful. But this letter is in spite of all those naysayers, and to say thank you for being wonderful. Thank you for your hiking trails. From Mills Canyon in Burlingame to Mori Point in Pacifica, your hiking trails offer days of relaxation, exercise and beauty to those who utilize them. Thank you for the services you offer. Finding a hurt squirrel in the park leads to a phone call, which leads to the Humane Society van stopping by to retrieve the animal. Your seamless services help everything run smoothly. Speaking of services, thank you for the public transportation. BART, Caltrain and even the Burlingame Trolley make accessing everything you offer a breeze, not to mention taking cars off the road and allowing non-drivers to travel. But for when we do have to drive, thank you for Highway 280. It's beautiful. In the spirit of traveling, thank you for your convenient location. You are near San Francisco, San Jose and the East Bay, which means us small-town kids can experience big city life. You are also near beaches, forests, mountains and valleys, which enables your residents to experience nature. Thank you for your farmers' markets and natural food stores, which enable those who work, live and play here to buy delicious, organic groceries, making us healthy, strong and happy. Thank you for all of the restaurants, as well. You offer all styles of cuisine for varying price ranges, making the eating out dilemma not finding a place to eat, but picking one. At your various restaurants, I have fallen in love with Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian and raw food. Thank you for opening my eyes. As a teen, thank you for your thrift stores. Such stores provide the perfect contrast to the high-priced shops filling your downtown areas, and the gems that can be found in your second-hand shops are priceless. Thank you for the recent weather. When the sun is out and the birds are chirping and the trees lining the streets are filled with fruit, everyone is that much happier, which might be why I so love the Peninsula. I am so thankful that I can call you, the Peninsula, my home sweet home. Hannah Hoffman is a senior at Burlingame High School.

### I love Hannah's articles and this one is especially pertinent on a lovely Sunday in June!

- Written by Fiona

A Moving Free House

Burlingame has been unsuccessful in the past few years when soon-to-be-demolished houses have been "free" to anyone who wants to move them to a new location. Recent attempts to relocate a Burlingame "historic" house or two have been in the works. The public open house idea seems to be a good one. Also it is interesting to see that City of South San Francisco will pay for moving the house and for installing the foundation. It does not say on their city website if this house is on their historic list. I hope Heather updates us on the outcome of this free South San Francisco home (go to link to see photo of the house in question).

City: Free two-bedroom house to good home (by Heather Murtagh, Daily Journal) The house at 323 Miller Ave. in South San Francisco is up for grabs. Is there a lot in the neighborhood just itching for a home? Well South San Francisco has a two-bedroom duplex to fill it. A multi-million dollar plan to build a parking garage fronted with retail was given the green light by the City Council earlier this year. On the site sits a historic duplex at 323 Miller Ave. Instead of demolishing the house, South City hopes to find it a new home. We want to try and keep it. It's been a part of the city for a long time,? said Community Development Coordinator Joy Adams. Notice of the free home was first distributed on Wednesday. Adams received her first phone inquiry 15 minutes later. On Thursday, Chamber of Commerce CEO Maria Martinucci was given the information, which she forwarded to members in an effort to drum up applicants. The house use to be a single family home but was turned into two one-bedroom units. A future homeowner would be free to turn the house back into a two bedroom if they wish. Units feature hardwood floors and bay windows. Potential home owners must be able to provide a plot of land for the home. The smallest acceptable lot size would be 5,000 square feet. The front setback needs to be 15 feet, sides need to be 5 feet and the rear needs to be 20 feet. If it is a corner lot, the minimum side setback requirement is 10 feet. South San Francisco is willing to move the house within a reasonable distance and pay for a foundation. An open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Applications will be available at the open house. The Housing and Community Development department plans to make applications available through its section on the city Web site, www.ssf.net, soon. For more information call 829-6620.

- Written by Fiona

Weekend Culture in Burlingame

Who said there is nothing to do in Burlingame that is free! Thursday - Movie Night at the Library from 7:00 pm "The Big Night" Friday - A Play in City Chambers at 7:00 pm "Under the Influence" Saturday - Double Feature of radio drama at Il Piccolo at 7:00 pm "Fibber McGee and Molly, the Abandoned Jalopy" and "The Whistler, Beyond Reasonable Doubt"

- Written by Fiona

Friends of Mills Canyon - Bug Hike

The Friends of Mills Canyon will be hosting their Bug Hike on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 pm. Meet at the Adeline entrance of Mills Canyon Wildlife Park. Friends of Mills Canyon hikes are free, open to all and everyone is welcome. Information: (65) 558-7325 or www.friendsofmillscanyon.org. Enjoy the best kept secret in Burlingame and search for bugs too!

- Written by Fiona

BESD - Rising Enrollment

School district expects funding growth - Rising enrollment a welcome surprise to officials (By Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer) Burlingame School District officials said an unexpected spike in enrollment came as a pleasant surprise, as it means more money could reach its schools. The district will have 62 more students this year, with the bulk of those children being kindergartners, said Robert Clark, the assistant superintendent and chief business official. A kindergarten class has to be added at both Franklin and Lincoln elementary schools. Although the rise in enrollment - with more than two months to go before school starts in late August - may be small, it could generate about $343,000 for the district, Clark said. The district gets about $31 a day for each student that attends, or $5,536 a year. "We don't know if it is a trend or an anomaly," School Board President Michael Barber said. "We have not seen this level (of an increase) in 10 years. "I think it is a good thing. Obviously there is a draw to the schools." If the enrollment stays steady, the district will have about 2,400 students this coming school year. Peter Burchyns, the senior administrator for the San Mateo County Board of Education and county superintendent, said that a district's enrollment numbers this time of year are usually accurate, but there could be some surprises, such as a private school shutting down unexpectedly and students subsequently transferring to public schools. "One of the most difficult things for a school district to predict is the coming year's kindergarten enrollment. The reason is because those children are not in the system," Burchyns said. District officials said they cannot put their finger on what is causing the growth. But Barber said he believes it could be a number of different factors, including Burlingame's central location for commuters to San Francisco and Silicon Valley; its proximity to the airport for people who travel frequently for work and want to live near SFO; and the quality of the district's schools. "This had a big boost (for the district's budget)," Barber said. School officials also credited Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's revised budget in May for letting them go from having to slash as much as $1.1 million to trimming just $237,000. Barber said there could be drawbacks if the growth continues for the next three years. District campuses could run out of room and some of the district's bond money that voters approved in November could be used on portable classrooms. "Franklin and Lincoln are maxed out. They are using every space they can," Barber said. "If necessary we would have to go out for another bond, but there is room to build out at Franklin, Lincoln and Washington." ### Interesting question to ask would be are the enrollment numbers up or down for the private schools?

- Written by Fiona