2) Community Policing Presentation Update:

I'm grateful that our Chief of Police Mike Matteucci will present an update to our community about his Department's important work this year.  In response to the tragic death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement, Burlingame, like other cities across the nation signed the Mayor's Pledge and took action to improve our policies and safeguard all members of our community.  As a follow-up to our Police Town Hall and Community Listening Session in July, Chief will highlight our latest efforts to combat racial bias and revamp how we respond to behavioral health and homelessness calls.  

I know we're all fatigued and feeling isolated from friends and family this holiday season, but I implore everyone to please follow the letter and spirit of the law so we can keep our community safe and preserve hospital resources. Due to widespread indoor and outdoor social gatherings with friends and family during the Thanksgiving holiday, COVID-19 cases in our county and throughout the state have reached a staggering number. Medical experts tell us contact tracing shows that social gatherings are the reason for this surge.  It's really dangerous right now and hospital staffing is stretched to the limit. Mills Peninsula alone has tripled their caseload since Thanksgiving.  Remember somewhere between 50-70% of COVID spread happens from people who never experience ANY symptoms, and/or before symptoms arise -- so huge numbers of people (like you and me) are unknowingly part of the problem. We must do better.  

The mandatory state law prohibits any kind of social gathering outside of our households (that means outdoor and indoor social gatherings of any size are not allowed, even small ones like two friends meeting in a backyard staying 6' apart) for at least three weeks until the Bay Area's ICU hospital capacity increases to 15% or higher.   

The order also closes hair salons, personal services, and outdoor restaurant dining for at least three weeks.  Take-out food and pick-up are still allowed.  Retailers may stay open with limited indoor capacity, so allow extra time for shopping.  And please do shop locally whenever possible.  San Mateo County created a terrific, easily digestible FAQ, so please read it here. 

That said, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The vaccine is here and being distributed to front-line health care workers, and it will eventually reach all who want it in the months ahead.  Things will get better in the not too distant future!  In the meantime, let's all do our part and act selflessly through the holidays to save lives and get our economy back on track.  

5) New El Camino Real Renewal Public Forum by Caltrans -- public comment period EXTENDED through 1/8/21

• County FAQ about Regional Stay at Home Order, effective 12/17/20
• State of California's COVID-19 Resilience Roadmap
• County Health Officer's Statements and Orders 
• San Mateo County COVID-19 statistics
• Burlingame COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
• Sign up for SMC Alert at smcalert.info for timely & reliable emergency information from local government -- imperative in this era of pandemics, wildfires and other disasters. 
• Sign up for the City of Burlingame's e-Newsletter for weekly and other time-sensitive email updates

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season.

Warmest regards,