Month: November 2008

  • To be Thankful For …

    John Horgan (full article) lists a number of places to be thankful for – and the Burlingame library is on his list. Our library is the best place not only in Burlingame but in the county!

    No matter the condition of the economy or the cut of the local political jib, San Mateo County survives and, much of the time, thrives.
    There is a great deal to be thankful for in these parts, regardless of the situation at any one moment in time.
    As we often do during the Thanksgiving season, let's take a look at some of the county's pluses, both small and large, that we frequently tend to take for granted.
    … Burlingame Library Completely refurbished and updated 10 years ago, this quiet oasis of information, contemplative thought and diligent research has managed to maintain its timeless, subdued ambiance in the face of nonstop technological change and the increasingly hurried pace of suburban life …

    – Written by Fiona

  • TSP Forum – The Burlingame Commuter

    The Traffic Safety & Parking Commision ('Teaspoon') will be hosting an evening forum with representatives of Sustainable San Mateo County and the Peninsula Congestion Relief Alliance, focused on sustainability issue and commute options within Burlingame and San Mateo County.
    With the rise in gas prices and a growing awareness of environmental issues, commuters today are presented with various options and incentives to improve their commutes. Many people, however, aren't aware of the free, low cost, or environmentally conscious services available to them.
    The 'Burlingame Commuter' forum will be in an open discussion format with ample opportunities for the audience to ask questions throughout the presentations.

    WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
    WHERE: Lane Room, Burlingame Main Library 480 Primrose Road

    – Written by stephen

  • Shop Burlingame – the Holiday House on Lorton

    There is a lovely new store at 348 Lorton called the Holiday House. Don't be fooled by the small store front with the bright red and white awning as the store goes back and back with all kinds of goodies inside.
    Their website is http://www.theholidayhouse.com.
    SHOP BURLINGAME!

    – Written by Fiona

  • December 6th – Two Best Kept Secrets!

    Two free events in Burlingame on 6th December – one more energetic than the other!
    MILLS CANYON WORK DAY
    Friends of Mills Canyon are hosting a work day on Saturday, December 6 between 10:00 am-12:00 noon to maintain Burlingame's best kept secret!. Please bring gloves and water and meet at Arguello entrance of Mills Canyon Wildlife Area, Students needing community hours are welcome! For information: (650) 558-7325 or http://www.friendsofmillscanyon.org.
    IL PICCOLO PLAYERS
    Il Piccolo Players are presenting a double feature of Easy Aces: Jane Goes to a Psychiatrist and Hercule Poirot: The Case of the Careless Victim on Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 pm. Il Piccolo Caffe, 1219 Broadway is the venue and the performances are free and open to all. For information: http://www.ilpiccoloplayers.com.

    – Written by Fiona

  • Have you Seen a Lost Border Collie?

    To bring more attention to Frank's plea for help, I hope he won't mind that I have brought this comment forward:

    This is off topic, but I'm desperate.
    Our very loved dog walked off from home on the 800 block of El Camino Real on November 19th at 9 P.M. This is a Border Collie mix female and she answers to the name Daisy. She is a kind dog, but may feel scared out alone. We miss her very much and would love to have her back in our home soon. If you see her or you think you know where she is, please call us at 650-867-2523 or call the Humane Society at 650-340-7022. We love her so very much and life can never be the same without her in our lives. We got her last Christmas and the thought of spending this Christmas without her makes me feel sick. Thank you, Frank

    – Written by Fiona

  • December Celebrations in Burlingame

    Lots of good things happening in December:
    BROADWAY CHEER
    Friday, December 5
    4:00 – 7:00 pm
    (Please bring a toy for the Central County Fire Department)
    Free and open to all
    BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
    Saturday, December 6
    from 8:30 (register a time)
    Register at http://www.burlingame.org/rec
    or by phone 558-7300
    Breakfast, crafts, carols, Santa
    CALTRAIN HOLIDAY TRAIN
    Saturday, December 6
    Burlingame Avenue Train Station
    Between 5:05 – 5:30 pm
    Bring a toy for Toys for Tots Program
    DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
    Sunday, December 7
    Parade from 2:00 – 3:15 pm
    Open House from 3:15 – 7:00 pm
    Carnival rides, train rides, music, dance & Santa
    Free and open to all
    Bring a non-perishable food donation for Bay Area Families/Samaritan House
    BURLINGAME LIBRARY WINTER WONDERLAND
    Friday, December 12
    from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
    Singers, dancers, bingo, crafts, cookie and cider
    Free and open to all.

    – Written by Fiona

  • Conservative in its Spending?

    Burlingame school district looks to old campus to ease crowding (By Christine Morente, San Mateo County Times)

    BURLINGAME Desperate for space to accommodate future students, the city's elementary school district is seeking alternatives to avoid overcrowding.
    One way is to bring in temporary or permanent classroom spaces in any of the schools within the district.
    The other is to buy the former Hoover School at 2220 Summit Dr.
    The Burlingame Elementary School District Board of Trustees was asked to consider four options for the Hoover site, including using the property as a district office; using it as a district office and for private education services; using it as a district office with the option to lease out six classrooms for public school; or recommissioning it as a new elementary school.
    The board decided to hold off on a vote Tuesday night.
    According to Superintendent Dianne Talarico, there are currently about 2,540 students enrolled. In three to five years, the number is expected to increase to 2,800.
    Burlingame parent Bill Pollock said he is not convinced on whether the district could afford to purchase the site, estimated to cost $7.8 million.
    Recently, the district lost $1.2 million in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy.
    "They (the trustees) think it's some fantastic deal and can't lose in real estate," Pollock said before the meeting. "You don't spend money in a down economy, and then have to raise bonds to fix the schools existing."
    Trustee President Michael Barber said the district is in far better condition compared to "probably 90 percent" of the other districts in the state.
    The Hoover School building was constructed in 1930. The 20,617-square-foot campus stopped being an elementary school in 1978. A year later, it was sold, and became a facility for the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order. Two years ago, the group left for Redwood City, Talarico said.
    Richard Terrones, of Dreiling Terrones Architecture Inc., said the former school had eight classrooms. The Buddhist order added restrooms, kitchenettes and sleeping rooms. Maintenance costs could set the district back. Terrones said the roof leaks in the main building and in the annex, despite the overall building being in fairly good condition.
    In October, CB Richard Ellis did a property evaluation of the Summit Drive property. As of Oct. 22, current market value for the site is $4.8 million. If the trustees vote on opening the building to students, the district would have to strengthen the structure, and it would need to provide fire safety and access improvements. Also, the district would have to ask Hillsborough to approve its plans because the site's parking lot is within the town's limits.
    Still, Pollock wants the board to be conservative in its spending. "Decisions need to be based on what's good for the schools," he said. "The (district) keeps losing teachers, class sizes are too high, and it's always short on cash."

    ***
    Question – what are the class sizes? My children's class sizes were 36 and 37 students in elementary school – is that considered too high? It certainly wasn't for my children who received an excellent education.
    Additional article in Daily Journal

    – Written by Fiona

  • Burlingame in the Year Ahead

    New Burlingame mayor paints a bleak picture – Burlingame's Keighran braces town for tough year during address (by Christine Morente, San Mateo County Times)
    BURLINGAME Seconds after becoming the new mayor, Councilwoman Ann Keighran warned Monday that the city will brace itself for a tough year ahead.
    She found it unnecessary to sugarcoat the fact that Burlingame is not immune to the economic challenges that have faced numerous cities on the Peninsula. "Patience and our will, will be tested," said Keighran, who is in her first term as councilwoman and officially serves as mayor in December. "We will meet adversity and multiple challenges."
    During the City Council meeting that held the annual rotation of council officers, Councilwoman Rosalie O'Mahony gave the gavel to Keighran, while Cathy Baylock became vice mayor. O'Mahony, who was first elected in 1989 and finished her fifth term as mayor, voiced total confidence that Keighran will address the city's issues with "verve."
    In 2004, O'Mahony and council members faced a difficult year when $1.8 million worth of services were cut. Twelve positions were also lost. Despite that, O'Mahony said she is proud of meeting the five goals she set during her term as mayor this year. Among them: the development of a new Safeway project and downtown specific plan that is aimed at the revitalization of Howard Avenue; meeting some of the city's infrastructure needs; and the start of putting money aside for the Broadway overpass project.
    Meanwhile, Keighran painted a bleak picture. She echoed City Manager Jim Nantell's information presented earlier this month that there would be budget shortfalls in the next two years, and that service reductions between 5 to 10 percent in all departments are imminent.
    The city is expected to lose a 10 percent reduction in sales tax; between $44 and $66 million in unfunded liabilities; $200 million in unfunded capital improvements, which include the Broadway overpass and downtown streetscape projects; and $39 million in needed storm drainage improvements.
    Keighran said it was time for the council to be creative, and it should start looking at either above, or underground parking downtown to continue to attract people to the area.
    "I want Burlingame to be a business-friendly environment," she said. "We want to see the conventions coming to our hotels, and we want a grocery store Safeway to be feasibly economic and aesthetically pleasing to the community." Keighran further suggested that the city not only promote sustainability, but it should recognize and promote its strengths rather than weaknesses.

    – Written by Fiona

  • Tis the Season – To Donate

    Here are some local ways to donate – please see full article for causes outside Burlingame
    Tis the season to donate (by Heather Murtagh, Daily Journal)
    It's that time of year: Family events are soon approaching and the spirit of lending a helping hand overcomes. There are a number of organizations in the county large and small that could use donations and volunteers this holiday season. Additionally, local groups are gathering food, gifts, toys, gift cards in more for a variety of causes. Whether you are looking to give time or donation this list will offer a wide range of ideas for this holiday season.
    Second Harvest – Second Harvest Food Bank of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties serves 176,000 clients a month. Most of the food the organization collects is distributed through the 400 nonprofits with which it partners. The efforts can be localized by your family, friends or office through running a drive or even having one online. For more information visit http://www.2ndharvest.net.
    Operation Christmas Child – Shoe boxes personally packed by children, families and individuals with gifts will be sorted and sent to children around the world.
    A pencil may mean very little to a child here in the U.S., however, many children around the world can't even attend school without the basic supplies,? said Iliana Salazar, west coast regional director for Operation Christmas Child. We encourage the San Mateo community to help reach our goal and take just a few moments to pack a shoe box gift the next time they go to the store.? The activity can be done as a group or alone. Shoe boxes can be filled with school supplies, toys, necessity items, candy or even a note. Step-by-step instructions are available at http://www.samaritanspurse.org. Donations are being accepted through Monday, Nov. 24.
    Local collection sites include the Crossing Community Church, 1315 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont; the New Life Community Church, 1430 Palm Drive in Burlingame; and the Home of Christ, 71 Bay Road, Menlo Park.
    Central County Fire toy drive – The long-standing program in Burlingame and Hillsborough gives firefighters the opportunity to watch the faces of children light up when given a small teddy bear.
    The group donates the new toys to local charities including the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Women's Recovery, the East Palo Alto Police Department, First Congregational Church in San Mateo, Air Transport Employees, Call Primrose, Macedonia Church, Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girl's Club, the San Mateo County Children's Fund and St. Anthony's Padua Dinning Room. Any leftover toys are donated to the Menlo Park Firefighter's Association, which has a distribution program set up after the holidays. Donations can be dropped off at all Burlingame and Hillsborough stations. There will also be barrels around town.
    Last year the California Teachers Association and South School in Hillsborough were the largest contributors. South School donated well over eight barrels of toys and 80 $15 Target gift cards.
    For more information call 558-7600 or e-mail firefighter Herman Barahona at hbarahona@centralcountyfd.org.
    Peninsula Humane Society – It's not just people who need some extra love during the winter months. Colder temperatures take their toll on animals, as well, said Scott Delucchi, Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA vice president.
    The animal shelter always needs gently used, but clean, blankets and towels to keep the animals warm. Electric blankets, however, are not accepted since the wires can cause problems when dogs start to chew, he said. Cats also love curling up in big shoe boxes. Boxes from boots, men's shoes or the cardboard boxes from Costco are perfect, said Delucchi.
    In addition, PHS collects Christmas ornaments. The ornaments are a big seller at Pick of the Litter, a Burlingame consignment store the proceeds from which benefit PHS. Donations can be delivered at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo or at Pick of the Litter at 1127 Chula Vista Ave. in Burlingame.
    ***
    I have heard that Santa and his train will not be stopping at Broadway Burlingame this year but BROADWAY CHEER will be collecting toys again at their celebration on December 5 between 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
    Also our library has a barrel for toy donations for Call Primrose.

    – Written by Fiona

  • Housing Workshop Tomorrow – Tuesday at 7:00 pm

    The second Community Workshop on Burlingame's Housing Element will be:

    Tuesday, November 18, 2008
    7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Lane Community Room, Burlingame Public Library
    Input from the community will be gathered through group activities and discussions, and will be used to gain local insight into housing needs and opportunities within the City.
    The Housing Element is part of the City's General Plan and is a document that provides an overview of the community's existing housing conditions and future housing needs. The State of California requires all communities to plan for their future housing needs and make sure there are enough sites available in each community to provide for those needs. The purpose of the workshop is to get input from residents about housing issues in general, and about where the potential housing growth can be accommodated. Please note that we are planning for the opportunity for housing to be built, but the actual construction of the housing will occur based on the housing construction market.
    The Summary Report for the October 7, 2008 Community Workshop is now available.
    You may sign up to receive notifications of future Housing Element Meetings by subscribing to the City's e-newsletter, and checking the box for "Housing Element Update". You may also call the Planning Division at (650) 558-7250, send an email to Maureen Brooks, Planning Manager, at mbrooks@burlingame.org or contact the Planning Division by mail at: City of Burlingame, Community Development Department, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.

    Mr. Weden's presentation "Winds of Change" at a recent Burlingame Community Forum was an excellent indication that there are changes in the wind – though of course change is a dirty word in Burlingame and would prefer that the wind blows elsewhere.

    – Written by Fiona

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