The Burlingame Voice

Staffing Up Locally for the U.S. Census

After a recent conversation with an old B'game friend of mine, I got a real kick out of this Wall Street Journal article titled "Who Will Be the First American Counted in the Census":

TOKSOOK BAY, ALASKA — In this tiny coastal village, five leaders of the Nunakauyarmiut tribe huddled around a table one recent evening to make a decision: Who will be the first person counted in America for the 2020 census?  They wanted to pick the oldest resident of this 659-person fishing outpost. Two of them, Alois Lincoln and Lizzie Chimiugak, both seemed to be 89 years old—but the records aren’t exactly clear on their birthdates. 

In the coming decennial count, the government will ask most Americans to respond online for the first time, starting shortly before Census Day on April 1. The count really kicks off in January, however, in remote parts of Alaska—where internet is spotty and some homes lack addresses. There, census takers must count every household by hand.

Alaska starts early because residents are more likely to be home during winter’s peak, and frozen terrain is easier to cross than the mushy ground of spring. On Jan. 21, specially trained enumerators with paper and pencils (because ink can freeze) will start knocking on tens of thousands of doors.

Those conditions make helping out with the 2020 Census in San Mateo County look like a piece of cake.  My friend, Pat Belding, is also a recent retiree in search of ways to contribute and has taken a position as a Recruiter Assistant with the local census organization.  So I'm helping him out with some free advertising--the only kind we do here at the Voice.  There are several types of jobs available locally including clerks ($24/hr), enumerators like those described in the Alaska article ($30/hr) who verify addresses and help people fill out the forms and some supervisor jobs ($33/hr).  Paid training is included both on-line and two Saturday sessions conducted locally.

If you know someone who is over 18, a citizen with no criminal record who wants flexible work of between 25 and 40 hours per week for eight weeks at a time (renewable) and likes to get out in the neighborhoods, this is a great way to help out the Federal government.  It takes them awhile to process applications, so don't wait because you think the census is a long ways in the future.  In government time, February to June 2020 is just around the corner.  Apply on-line at 2020census.gov/jobs.

Kudos to Pat for taking on this important recruiting role in an economy with 2.3% unemployment!

Disaster Preparedness - Practice, Practice

Today was the city-wide disaster preparedness drill sponsored by the Burlingame Neighborhood Network.  22 "blocks" or neighborhoods in B'game took part and B'game police, fire and city officials toured the gathering sites to get a feel for how residents participated and learned about preparing.  This was my second year participating and I can verify that the more you do it, the more engaged and informed you become.  Step 0 is knowing where your block meets which is the most fundamental thing to know.  We had many new faces this year as people have moved into the neighborhood or just decided to come to the event.  That interaction alone makes it worthwhile.

I'll just tell you three things about being prepared.  Neighborhoods that plan and practice do far better, in the aggregate welfare, than those that don't.  That may seem obvious, but it bears repeating so that participation can get above 3-4% of everyone in the neighborhood.  Second, B'game has about 100 first responders in total but only about 25 are on duty at any given time, so figuring out what has happened, how serious it is and getting the most dire issues up the "chain of command" is essential.  The rest will be up to us.  Lastly, the city is doing a good job of assisting this grass roots efforts.  My neighborhood qualified for one of the 22 "caches" of emergency supplies that the city has funded based on our history of engagement in the process.  We also got one of the decommissioned radios to enable a communications lead to talk to ham operators at the elementary schools (who then relay the most critical info to police and fire).  We cannot count on 911 and cell phones for everything when all is chaos.

All in all it was a worthwhile morning and kudos to BNN for the planning, documentation and coaching needed to make it a success.  Here is the cache spread out for the drill.

$20 Million Shelter Breaks Ground

The Daily Journal was on hand for the groundbreaking of the new Humane Society building out at Coyote Point that is replacing the old facility in the same spot.  The DJ hits the high points here

(President Ken) White estimated some 6,000 animals’ lives have been saved at the county’s current shelter, where he said a spay and neuter clinic and education programs, among other services, have offered pet owners and residents ways to provide good care for the county’s animals. He expressed gratitude to the estimated 1,400 volunteers, 120 staff members and city and county officials he said have supported the shelter in the past.

Though White acknowledged the new facility will be smaller than the existing one, he said it will help facilitate an ongoing shift of the nonprofit’s charitable services, which includes animal adoption, to the Tom Lantos Center for Compassion, a Burlingame facility it opened in 2011. With fewer services to accommodate at the San Mateo location, White said the new space will be designed specifically to house stray animals and provide better care for them using updated tools and technologies.

Here's the B'game facility on Rollins that allows for a smaller, more focused facility on the Bayfront.  All of this has not happened without controversy as we noted here.  I haven't heard any follow-up on those concerns.

KD's Mom in B'game

Our hotel row on the Bayfront gives us easy access to a lot of events that other people have to travel a long ways to attend.  Last night was one of those events--a charity dinner for Support Circle which helps women with unintended pregnancies.  I was fortunate to be in attendance and got to hear the guest speaker, Wanda Durant, single mom to the Warriors' Kevin Durant.  ABC News covered it here saying

Warriors star Kevin Durant's mom Wanda has been front and center at his games since he was a little boy, cheering on her son. But not Wednesday night.

Wanda is in the Bay Area Burlingame just in time for the Warriors final regular season game against the Lakers. Her son Kevin is back from his injury, but she won't be anywhere near Oracle Arena when the team takes the floor.

"I'm here to support Support Circle, an organization that supports teen pregnancy, young pregnancy. Being the support that they need, no matter what decision they decide to make concerning the pregnancy," she said.

As she noted from the stage, she was looking fine last night.  Here is a close up from the audience when she decided to take some questions from the floor.

Humane Society Conflict

I won't get too deep into this because I am not close to the Peninsula Humane Society operations and the Daily Journal article today has a bit of a he-said-she said feel to it; in my opinion.  With substantial operations in B'game-San Mateo including Coyote Point, Rollins Road and Pick of the Litter near B'way, it is of local interest.  Here's the allegation first

More allegations that animals are abused at the Peninsula Humane Society, as well as complaints about the high salaries of the nonprofit’s top executives, prompted former workers to come forward Thursday.

The small group of donors, past volunteers and prior employees asked the PHS Board of Directors to make changes by reallocating funds toward its true mission of caring for the animals under its care. They estimated nearly $1.5 million is spent each year on salaries and benefits for just six of the nonprofit’s executives.

and for balance, a bit of the recent accomplishments

The humane society, which has a nearly $13 million annual budget, contracts with San Mateo County for animal control services and operates the county-owned Coyote Point Shelter — which all have agreed is grossly out of date and officials are in the midst of planning a $22 million remodel. The nonprofit was also able to form a stronghold of donors to raise $26 million to build the Tom and Annette Lantos Campus of Compassion on Rollins Road in Burlingame. Adoptions and wildlife rehabilitation are conducted out of the nonprofit-owned facility opened in 2011.

I know some volunteers are Voice readers, so if you have a first-hand perspective this is the place to voice it.  Here is the Rollins Rd facility that is now five years old!

Real Charity Begins at CALL

Long time Voice contributor Peter Garrison and I have been discussing the more frequent appearance of street panhandlers in B'game.  He has noticed them in front of churches, then on the Avenue and lately in front of Lunardi's.  We also notice a similarity between the signs they hold which may point to a coalition.  Pete knows Terri Boesch, the Exec Director at CALL Primrose, who provided this bit of advice for B'gamers

With the long, warm days of summer comes a noticeable increase in the number of panhandlers, especially at busy intersections and in front of heavy traffic areas such as storefronts, churches and gas stations.  

While it may feel good to provide spare change or a few dollars to “help” those who appear to be homeless or hungry, those dollars often go to buy alcohol or drugs, which may be the very vices that led to the homelessness in the first place.  In addition, there are a number of large scale scammers, who employ vulnerable women with young children (often infants) to beg for money, with a promise of part of the proceeds for their efforts. Providing money in these instances only perpetuates the problem.  

For those who are genuinely hungry or homeless, there are many resources in the area that offer legitimate assistance. The CALL Primrose center, located in downtown Burlingame, is one of those resources. Founded over 30 years ago as a joint project between the First Presbyterian and United Methodist churches of Burlingame, CALL Primrose is a direct aid and referral agency, offering immediate grocery/food support to individuals and families along the peninsula. Clients may visit weekly to pick up food, grocery and small toiletry items that are tailored to individual living situations. CALL has an array of non-perishable items, along with meat, dairy and fresh produce options, available on a drop in basis.  If the need goes beyond that of food, CALL has a wide network of service agencies that can be called upon to help.    

The next time you encounter someone asking for help, perhaps instead of a few dollars, you can provide them with information about CALL Primrose. For those truly in need, this may be their first step towards a path of self-sufficiency.

Pete also notes "I carry information cards from our local food pantry that I distribute when I encounter someone asking for money."  Good advice from both of them.  Terri is at 650 342-2255.  They are Gems of Burlingame.  I hope this doesn't get to the point of us needing a "Sit - Lie" ordinance.

Top Tree Lover

Today's Daily Journal notes the recognition of Dale Perkins for his contributions to beautifying the city.  The specifics are

A dawn Redwood tree was planted in his honor as a tribute to him and a special thank you for donating an original framed and signed watercolor rendering of the Business Landscape Award winner each year. A local artist whose work is famous around the world, Perkins was a Beautification Commissioner for many years and also the art specialist and art consultant for the Burlingame Elementary School District. Perkins helped create both the Heritage Tree and Heritage Grove designations which included the El Camino trees in 1975, the Easton Drive Eucalyptus Grove in 1976 and the Francard Eucalyptus Grove in 1976. Perkins and his fellow Beautification Commissioners in 1977 published a booklet entitled “Trees of Burlingame” which included research and documentation of hundreds of species of trees in Burlingame.

I don't think I have seen that booklet and Google doesn't have it, so I will have to check with the Historical Society to get us a photo of the cover so we know what to look for in our travels.

 

Historic Mosquito District - 1916

Friday night was the annual Council and Commissioners dinner to show appreciation for the volunteer commissioners.  Former council members are also invited and they get a plus-one which is how I get to show up.  My old buddy, Joe Galligan--former mayor and now our Mosquito Trustee--relayed some of the fascinating history of the District which you can read in full here.

The mosquito control program in San Mateo County is one of the oldest in the United States. Control work was initiated in 1904, when the Burlingame Improvement Club asked entomologists from the University of California to assist them in developing a plan to fight the city’s mosquito infestations. H.J. Quayle, an entomologist with the University Experiment Station, conducted a preliminary survey. He determined that 95% of the mosquitoes biting residents were arising from diked reclaimed salt marshes along San Francisco Bay. A control plan was developed which included ditching, repair of existing dikes and tide gates, and filling of low areas. These physical control measures were to be supplemented with oiling of the remaining standing water.

The plan was implemented in 1905, with funds provided by the Burlingame Improvement Club. This program continued for the next seven years. However, its funding dwindled over time with a corresponding decline in effectiveness.  The Three Cities Mosquito Control Committee (San Mateo, Burlingame and Hillsborough) was formed in 1913. Drainage ditches and levees were repaired and extended, and mosquito control by the use of oils was resumed. The effectiveness of this campaign became known throughout the country.  The Three Cities Mosquito Abatement District, which encompassed San Mateo, Burlingame, and Hillsborough, was formed in December of 1915, with services beginning in early 1916.

We love all things historic here at the Voice and stopping mosquitoes is no exception.  Happy 100th!  The District has had its governance issues in the past with some serious embezzlement we last discussed four years ago here.  The link to the trustee list shows Joe's term expired last month, but I hope he is reappointed (or has been reappointed) since we clearly needed a sharp financial and accounting eye on the District's books.

I also think we should celebrate the Centennial together.  How about a Centennial blood drive where we all donate a pint of what we still have because of all the dead skeeters?  I suggested it Friday night.  Anyone up for leading the charge?  Here is the District building over on Rollins.

 

Hear Ye, Here Y'all: New Town Crier

I was just thinking the other day that B'game needed a town crier and lo and behold this DJ article says here he be

Richard Aptekar is following his calling by heeding his need to cry — but maybe not in the fashion most would typically expect.  Aptekar, 72, has been selected by the Burlingame Historical Society as the city’s first and only town crier, who is set to make his debut this weekend.

The Burlingame resident, who has an extensive track record of public performance, is one of only a few in the state recognized by the American Guild of Town Criers.

His initial task will be to announce the opening of the Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum, 290 California Drive, 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, and will regularly announce the historical society’s meetings, as well as other community events at the city library.

Dressed in era-appropriate decor, featuring a top hat and long jacket, Aptekar’s deep and distinct voice will read out poetic and often humorous declarations, as he rings a bell signifying his prestigious role. To his knowledge, there are no other town criers on the Peninsula, said Aptekar, and the closest other is in Concord.

I love this and perhaps I can intern with Richard--I think it would be my perfect retirement occupation...unless I decide to apply for Code Enforcement officer and go after all the illegal signs in towns!

RIP: Dan Anderson

A full year has passed since I noted that an old friend, Dan Anderson, was fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease and now I must note that the fight has ended.  The Daily Journal has a great piece that highlights the many avenues of contribution that Dan made.  The avenue that he was both an activist and a true subject matter expert on was the hospital redevelopment so here is a patchwork of the quotes in the article on that topic

(Cathy) Baylock said she also remembers Andersen’s participation in a variety of other community concerns, such as his role as part of Citizens for a Better Burlingame, which influenced the size and shape of the Safeway store before it was built at 1450 Howard Ave.

She also recalled his tireless work to influence the development of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, during which time he spent countless hours fighting for the interests of neighborhood residents.  “He was a great activist,” said Baylock.

(Former councilman and mayor Joe) Galligan said the council relied heavily on Andersen’s perspective when deciding the best way to address the medical center issue.  “Because he was a positive influence, not a negative influence, we listened to him,” he said.

Andersen’s willingness to attend public meetings and fight in the best interest of residents gave the Burlingame community a faithful ally in a fight against a medical institution some did not trust, said Galligan.

Ultimately, finding a resolution which served the wishes of residents was due in part to Andersen’s hard work, said Galligan.  “There are a lot of people we can give credit to, without a doubt Dan watched every movement,” he said.

My thoughts and sympathies go out to Carolyn.  The circle of life can be very bumpy in places and I hope she is headed for smoother times.