Every fall I am reminded how much I like ginkos as street trees. They are spread around town, but they really shine on Bayswater where there are some really mature examples. This year we have been especially lucky that the wind has been calm so we are getting both the brilliant trees and a nice blanket on the ground beneath the trees.
Criticizing San Francisco is an honored tradition on the Peninsula. John Horgan called "BS" on the pay-a-toll-to-drive-into-SF idea and was right to do so. County Supervisor-wannabe Gina Papan is in today's SF Examiner criticizing some local-hiring bill, but that's not what caught my eye. Papan's bio reads:
Gina Papan, serving her second term on the Millbrae City Council, works as a deputy state attorney general, and is a candidate for San Mateo County Supervisor District 1.
I've followed Gina's doings for years and this is the first I've heard that she works for the state attorney general (that would be Gov.-elect Jerry Brown). What exactly does she do for the State? And how does that fit with being a council member or even a County Supe? Didn't Jerry sue the Bell, CA councilmembers for paying themselves gazillons? Is Gina an "active" deputy state attorney and what workload is she handling? This seems very interesting and I hope the Examiner will ask the questions that need to be asked.
The Mercury News took note of the forthcoming EIR for the Drive-in site. I wasn't aware it's called "Burlingame Point" but that sounds nice. Most locals know it as 301 Airport.
The plan calls for four buildings arranged in a square shape and ranging in height from five to eight stories, plus a two-story, 37,000-square-foot "amenities" building for future employees, complete with a gym, cafe and child-care center. There would also be a five-story parking garage and parking lots around the buildings, new landscaping and shoreline trail upgrades.
The developer is going to fund the study that we examined earlier here.
Ken Garcia at the SF Examiner is reviewing the recent first-build announcment on High Cost Rail and coming to the same conclusion as everyone else.
For being a lower-budget affair, last night's tree lighting and carnival was still fun. The BIS band, the Burlingame Idol and the North Shore Montessori choir performed before the tree was set ablaze. The vintage firetruck made a circuit with councilmembers and Santa and Mrs. Claus. At least one merchant (Haven) kept the spirit going by serving wine and several restaurants appeared to being doing well.
"We miss the parade" was a common theme among the locals, but with the way the economy has been creeping along, I can understand why the Avenue merchants were hesitant to kick-in their usual $25K that it takes to produce the parade. Thanks to the Putnam dealerships and the other merchants for donating the funds to do it as well as it was done. Here's the BIS band.
The Voice received notice that Samaritan House, a social service agency in San Mateo, is seeking bicycle donations for low income adults and children this holiday. The bikes should be in good working order:
Samaritan House spokeswoman Nancy Carothers said that the kids' bicycles and helmets are generally passed along as gifts during the holidays, whereas the adult bikes can provide needed transportation for clients who don't have cars.
"For adults it's great because it often helps them get to work," Carothers said.
Anyone able to donate a bicycle is asked to call Samaritan House at (650) 523-0831 to arrange to drop it off by Dec. 17.
Check your garages, you know there is one in there somewhere.
Who doesn't love a good dog story? Burlingame PD just added "Baer" to its K-9 division. Police dogs search for evidence and suspects, do crowd control and can protect the officers in many instances.
Baer will live with his handler, Kevin Thorpe, and his family. The incremental headcount was made possible by donations from citizens from Hillsborough and Millbrae. Thanks!
At the entrance to Washington Park this evening there was music, menorahs and munchies. The giant menorah was made out of ice and there was a contest for the best menorah made by a child. Free latkes, (potato pancakes for those not familiar), were handed out to the crowd. Seemed like everyone was enjoying the festivities. Happy Hanukkah everyone.
The ice menorah being constructed.
My favorite menorah. You might say it was a giant menorah.
And the award for best ZZ Top look-a-like band goes to…
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