As the summer transitions to fall, it seems like a lifetime ago when COVID-19 turned our world upside down -- and now  wildfires are raging in San Mateo County.  Although recent events have caused tremendous hardship, it has strengthened our community in other ways and reminded us how interconnected and accountable we are to one another.  I'm inspired by countless acts of generosity towards front-line workers and community members who are suffering the most.  Thank you, Burlingame, for appreciating our first-responders, checking on isolated neighbors, shopping locally,  minimizing social gatherings, and wearing face coverings wherever you go. 

Here in my August newsletter, I wanted to flag some important civic matters worthy of your attention:  

1) Accelerated Minimum Wage Ordinance Discussion on Tuesday, 9/8 at 7PM via Zoom: 

During our City Council's study session on this matter back on February 3, 2020, we learned from the County of San Mateo Health System representatives that 25% of the County's workforce are low wage workers earning $15 or less per hour.  Nearly 75% of these low wage workers are between the ages of 25-64 years old, 45% of whom are raising children. Although many Burlingame businesses already pay their workforce $15/hour or more to be competitive, we learned others do not. The fundamental question for our community is whether or not we are willing to pay more for the goods, services, and restaurant meals we purchase in town so that our lowest wage workers (in car washes, retail, restaurants, drivers, and some childcare positions) earn more, and so that our small businesses don't bear the financial burden.   

Action request: wherever you stand on this matter, please click here to participate in our City-wide survey published in Burlingame's e-News last week to share your opinion. The survey closes on 9/1/20 so please act now.  We value everyone's opinions.  

I also invite everyone to join our City Council meeting on 9/8 at 7PM via Zoom when the decision will be made. You may also email your opinion privately (on the public record) to the entire City Council by writing [email protected].  If instead you email [email protected] the City Clerk will read your opinion out loud during the meeting.  Find meeting details and Zoom link information here.  

3) The Burlingame Collaborative update: We all need some good news these days, so here is a bright spot.  This summer, a group of 60+ Burlingame community leaders representing 40+ organizations convened (virtually) three times since June to discuss gaps in our community's COVID-19 response and how together we can make Burlingame more resilient.  It's been inspiring to see subcommittees comprised of leaders from local businesses, non-profits, service clubs, faith organizations, activists, education, labor, health care, seniors, parents, and government come together to strengthen relationships, communication, and tackle tough issues. We've prioritized isolation, health and safety messaging, business struggles, basic needs for our most vulnerable residents, and distance learning.  Tangible results are already happening.  For example, faith leaders and CALL Primrose food pantry developed a new process to eliminate barriers for our most vulnerable residents to access free groceries.  Another committee developed this COVID-19 Community Resource Guide that will be published in our City's upcoming Activity Guide mailed to every Burlingame residence. Even the simple (yet powerful) idea to publish our City's weekly e-News on Next Door originated here.  Other committees are exploring ways to raise funds for existing rental assistance programs and PPE grants for small businesses. Stay tuned in future newsletters for more information about how you can help. It takes a village to respond to COVID-19, and our village is stepping up in a big way. I'm so proud of our community.

4) Dr. Morrow's latest Health Officer Statement: On 8/6, Dr. Morrow published another statement to the community.  His final paragraph reads: "To get out of this situation depends on all of us. Our collective best course of action: No gatherings outside of immediate households, use facial coverings extensively, and social distancing."  Please take 5 minutes to read his full statement here.

Emily Beach 
Mayor, City of Burlingame 

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P.S.  If you seek more frequent updates, keep in touch with me via Q&A events via Zoom, Facebook, Twitter, and my website.  If you send me an email message, I appreciate your patience with my reply during these busy times.