September 25, 2009

I want to keep you in the loop on some events coming up in Burlingame.

Burlingame Pet Parade

The sixth annual Burlingame Pet Parade will take place tomorrow, September 26, at 10 a.m. on Broadway. This event has no agenda other than community fun. It is noncommercial, nonpolitical, and entirely supported by local volunteers and sponsors.

You can expect to see hundreds of pets and their owners dressed in outrageous costumes, strutting to the music of the Burlingame High School Band and Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band. Entertainment will also be provided by the San Mateo Elks Concert Band and the Burlingame Show Choir. Clowns will make free balloon animals, and children will be invited to complete art projects.

Pet owners who wish to march with their pets must report by 9:30 a.m. to the parking lot near Broadway and Chula Vista, across from the Wells Fargo Bank. There is no charge to participate and no registration is required.

Ribbons will be awarded to the Best Dressed Pet, Best Dressed Pet-Owner Combo, Best Dressed Group, Most Original Float or Wagon and Grand Prize Winner. A float can be a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. Souvenir ribbons will be given to all participants as they exit the parade.

Many thanks to the Broadway Merchants Association, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the Daily Journal for sponsoring this very fun event.

For more information, visit http://www.burlingamepetparade.com

High Speed Rail Town Hall Meeting

Tomorrow (September 26) will be a busy day, with a Town Hall Meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Burlingame Recreation Center (850 Burlingame Ave.) to explore the issues and possibilities associated with high speed rail. State Assemblyman Jerry Hill and high speed rail authorities will be on hand to answer your questions.

This enormous project – the largest in California’s history – is scheduled to be constructed along the Caltrain corridor and could be disastrous for Burlingame if built poorly. However, if built with sufficient attention to the needs of local neighborhoods, it could be an asset.

We won’t get what we want if we don’t ask for it. Please make your voice heard at this important meeting.

Help Burlingame Go Green

Burlingame is looking for volunteers to help the city promote sustainable practices. With the adoption of the city’s Climate Action Plan, the work of the city’s Green Ribbon Task Force is transitioning to a new “Burlingame Green” group that will invite new ideas and take action on them. Come and collaborate with others on green goals for the future of our city.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, at the Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave.

To learn more about what the city has done so far, go to:
http://www.burlingame.org/Index.aspx?page=1175

Come to the Neighborhood Network Coffee

Please mark your calendar for the next Neighborhood Network Coffee on Saturday, October 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Please note that the location is the Burlingame Recreation Center at 850 Burlingame Ave. , not the Lane Room at the Burlingame Library, as previously noted. Coffee, fruit and pastries will be served.

Neighborhood Network groups are forming all over Burlingame to help organize for emergency preparedness and crime prevention, as well as to build community spirit. At this meeting, we'll invite you to report news about your neighborhood groups and will give you an update about citywide communication plans. Our special guests will be members of the Burlingame Police Department, who will provide an inside look at what happens when a crime is reported - and what citizens can do to discourage criminals from preying on their homes.

All block captains and individuals interested in forming Neighborhood Networks are welcome to attend these meetings. We request that you RSVP at least three days ahead of time to info@theneighborhoodnetwork.org. We are planning to hold these quarterly meetings on the second Saturday in January and April as well.

Free Block Permits and Free Meeting Space

I want to remind you that you can get your block party permit refunded if you invite a CERT-trained volunteer to give a 15-minute presentation on emergency preparedness and crime prevention programs available in Burlingame. This pilot program will run through October. For details, download the Block Party Refund Packet.  To request a 15-minute presentation, send an email to: info@theneighborhoodnetwork.org.

Under a new city policy, groups meeting to learn about emergency preparedness or crime prevention or for the purpose of building community may qualify for free meeting space in city buildings. Contact the city manager's office for more information at (650) 558-7104.

Training Opportunities

CERT - There's still time to sign up for the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course will begin September 21 and runs through October 1. This is a daytime course. (The next series will likely be an evening course.) The course provides comprehensive training that will enable you to serve your community in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. The skills you learn will also prove invaluable in assisting your friends and family during everyday situations. Free. To register, call the Central County Fire Department at (650) 558-7600.
HAM Radios - The Millbrae Amateur Radio Club invites you to an open house to introduce you to HAM radio training on October 10 at 11 a.m. in the Millbrae Library Room "A" at 1 Library Ave. For more information and to RSVP, contact John Fehrn at Jfehrn@s.com.

Citizens Academy - This eight-session course takes you on an in-depth tour of a different city department each month, including the Police and Fire Departments. The first session will be held October 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $50. Register through the Parks & Recreation Department.
Get Ready - Every citizen in Burlingame is urged to take the two-hour "Get Ready" course offered by Central County Fire, to gain a basic understanding of how to prepare yourself, your family, your home and your workplace for a major disaster. The next class will be offered on November 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. To register, call the Central County Fire Department at (650) 558-7600.

See you around town!