Everyone's talking about the drought and the heavy hand of the state that will soon decide what measures cities must take to spur water conservation. Read on to learn what Burlingame is doing to cope with the drought, and also find out about new restaurants, our library and upcoming events.

 

I hope you will join me this Wednesday, April 29, at a program called "Save Energy, Save Water, Save Money," where you'll learn about city, county and state programs that can help you cut your water and energy bills and finance improvements through an innovative state loan program. You can even pay for seismic retrofits this way. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Lane Room of the Burlingame Public Library.

 

See you around town,

 

Terry signature
Terry Nagel
Mayor, Burlingame
terry@terrynagel.com 

Save Energy, Save Water, Save Money   

 

If you'd like to make your home more energy and water efficient and save money, you'll want to come to a program called "Save Energy, Save Water, Save Money" on Wednesday, April 29, to learn how to take advantage of state, county and city programs designed to encourage sustainability.

 

You'll find out about the Peninsula Sunshares program for purchasing reduced-cost solar PV panels, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network's Home Upgrade rebates of up to $4,500, city water and energy rebates, and the state PACE program that allows you to finance energy, water and even seismic retrofit upgrades over time, as part of your property tax payments. Sigalle Michael, the city's sustainability coordinator, will moderate the discussion.

 

The speakers will answer specific questions following their presentations and handouts will be available summarizing the offerings. All program attendees will be eligible for a "Kill A Watt" electricity usage monitor that will be raffled off during the event. 

 

This program is presented by the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame and is co-sponsored by the Burlingame Public Library.

 

What: Save Energy, Water and Money

When: Wednesday, April 29, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Lane Room at Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road, Burlingame

Admission: Free 

Burlingame and the Drought   

 

As a city, we're doing very well with water conservation. Water consumption in Burlingame declined 20.3 percent between March 2014 and February 2015. But the governor wants us to do more, and our City Council will be voting on regulations in May, once the State Water Resources Control Board locks in the regulatory frameworks needed to achieve water reductions. These prohibitions are already in effect:
  • Washing down sidewalks and driveways
  • Watering outdoor landscaping in a manner that causes excess runoff
  • Washing a motor vehicle with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle
  • Operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system
  • Irrigating turf or ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation
  • Watering outdoors more than two days per week

To learn how to beautify your garden with drought-tolerant landscaping, come to a free program hosted by the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library. It features award-winning landscaper Frank Niccoli. In addition, the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) offers free courses on water-efficient landscaping, lawn alternatives, rainwater harvesting and more on the BAWSCA website.

What's New in Burlingame  

The renovation of our beautiful Burlingame
Public Library is complete! Come and see the state-of-art technology lab on the lower level, the expanded teen room and study area on the main level, larger foundation bookstore and more. Coming soon: a café on the main level!

 

Hotel occupancy is Burlingame is at an all-time high. The San Francisco/San Mateo County area now ranks third in the country for both occupancy and average daily rate, behind New York City and Oahu Island. The average daily rate for a hotel room has gone up in San Francisco and San Mateo counties for 55 straight months.

 

The Broadway Tennis Center at 60 Edwards Court near Highway 101 has officially opened, offering six full-sized indoor courts anytime between 6 a.m. and midnight, with no membership fee. Founders Horacio and Anne Matta say they want to serve anyone interested in playing, in hopes of building local passion for the sport.

 

In addition to the new Rasa restaurant, which serves contemporary Indian food at 209 Park Road, a new restaurant called Aslam's Rasoi has just opened at 1425 Burlingame Ave. Rasoi serves contemporary Pakistani and Indian food.

Coming Up

Wednesday, April 29, 7 to 8:30 p.m. "Save Energy, Save Water, Save Money," presented by Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame. Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library. Free. (Details above.)

 

Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Streets Alive will take place adjacent to the  

Farmer's Market on Park Road between Burlingame Avenue and Howard Avenue. It will feature a bounce house, children's activities, interactive demos from Parks & Rec classes and live music by a local band. Free. 

 

Monday, May 4, 6 p.m. A new group interested forming a "Village" in Burlingame, Hillsborough and San Mateo will meet at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Ave. San Mateo. The Village concept is to provide programs, resources and services so older adults can lead vibrant, active and healthy lives, while remaining in their homes and neighborhoods. For more information, contact villageofthemidpeninsula@gmail.com or (650) 434-2455.  

 
Wednesday, May 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Zero Waste Challenge, presented by the
Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame and sponsored by Recology. This friendly competition and learning exercise will determine who recycles the most items correctly. Professional emcee Jeff Tateosian will add to the fun with game show bells and whistles. The winning team will receive a trophy and everyone will take home a Recology bag. Free. Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library. 

 

Through June 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday - The Peninsula Museum of Art at 1777 California Drive is exhibiting "3D Printing: The Radical Shift." See what happens when artists utilize three-dimensional printers to create works of art.