May 30, 2009

Here are two things you can do to make our community better:

Save your family

This summer is the perfect time to get to know your neighbors better and figure out a plan for protecting your family during emergencies, large and small. Burlingame’s Neighborhood Network can help you do both.

To learn how, please come to a brief presentation on forming a Neighborhood Network this Saturday, May 30, at 9 a.m. in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

The program encourages citizens to work cooperatively in neighborhood teams to prepare for disasters. In the process of getting better acquainted, neighbors are inspired to plan other events such as block parties. Their sense of community fosters a “Neighborhood Watch” awareness that helps prevent crime.

If you're planning a block party this summer, we'll tell you how you can get the block party fee waived. Plus you'll learn about free services that Burlingame offers to help you get prepared for emergencies and get connected with the city.

If you’ve attended a Neighborhood Network meeting before, we think you’ll find this seminar particularly helpful, as we’ll walk you through the process, match you with others who want to form networks and assign you a “mentor” to help you get started.

Help save Caltrain service

Caltrain is considering a number of cuts because of a projected $10 million deficit. One of them is eliminating weekend service, which would completely close our Broadway station. Many individuals depend on weekend trains to get to their jobs, including some of our hotel workers. In addition, ending weekend service would adversely impact restaurants and businesses in the Broadway area.

You can voice your opinion in person at the public hearing next Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m. at the Caltrain office at 1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos. Comments will be accepted until then via email at changes@caltrain.com or by regular mail to District Secretary, Caltrain, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos 94070. Or you can call 1 (800) 660-4287.

Please send a copy of your comments to the Burlingame City Council at council@burlingame.org or via mail to City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlngame 94010.

Hope to see you Saturday morning!