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Happy New Year Belmont!
It is fair to say that the worst of winter storms is not yet over, but I am very pleased how well we have fared so far.
You likely know already just how busy January has kept all department staff, especially our emergency personnel.
During the next wave of storms, you can rely on this webpage for information and resources: www.Belmont.gov/storms.
You can share these details with the people in your life, or neighbors near you who don't utilize our digital tools. Here's a snapshot of details from the webpage:
Who to Call:
Extreme Emergency (life at stake, fire, etc.): 911
Non-life-threatening emergency (tree fell, road blocked, etc): 650-595-7400
Downed traffic light, street pole, power pole: 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000
Flooding Report: 650-595-7425 please leave a message
Need storm-related help, call 211.
Find all of our social channels here: www.Belmont.gov/social
Thank you to everyone who liked and shared our social messaging, especially during the height of the storm when reaching large audiences was vital.
The weather forecasts continued rainy days throughout January, with a few dry, sunny windows. We all know how important water is to us, so I guess we can be thankful for all of this much-needed rain.
I'll end this note by telling you how inspired I am by the dedicated Belmont city staff. To watch them rise to the occasion, collaborate with their neighboring colleagues, and deliver on the promises of a united Team Belmont is humbling. They are exactly the professionals that I know them to be and I am so pleased our residents get the benefits of their skills.
Afshin Oskoui
City Manager
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A Season of Storms
January arrived like a gust of wind, quite literally. A major storm flooded our streets and highways on New Year's Eve and we all woke to a soggy Jan. 1, 2023.
The next system prompted the opening of our Emergency Operation Center and an all-hands-on-deck approach ensured that the few minor issues were responded to quickly. Forecasters predict that January will remain stormy.
Join us at our first City Council meeting of the year to hear the storm report from our City Manager. Scroll down to see our meeting dates and times.
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Commission Recruitments
Get Involved in City Commissions
Belmont is currently recruiting for members of the community to serve on a number of Boards and Commissions including Planning and Parks and Recreation Voting and Non-Voting Commission seats. Apply by Jan. 13, 2023.
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ACCEPTING ENTRIES:
Special Poetry & Essay Contest inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We are now accepting entries for Belmont’s inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry & Essay Contest. The contest is open to all Belmont-Redwood Shores School District youth in grades three through twelve.
Entry deadline is Feb. 1, 2023, but don't put it off until the deadline. Our judges will be assessing entries as they come in. Submit early!
Students may submit either their own poem or essay. The contest accepts written entries, no photos or images should be included in the submission.
Where Does Change Begin?
Contestants are asked to reflect on their own personal experiences and role in addressing forms of injustice and consider what steps can be taken toward building a stronger community.
Original poems or essays should creatively respond to the above question in context with Dr. King's famous quote:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Excerpt from “Strength to Love,” 1963.
To learn more about submitting an entry, click on the button below.
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Meeting Agendas
City Council:
Jan. 10, 2023
7 p.m.
Park and Rec Commission
Jan. 11, 2023
7 p.m.
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Downed Poles/Trees Safety
As the soggy winter weather is forecasted to continue through January, don't forget that trees, traffic lights, and poles could still topple even on sunny days.
With newly saturated soils, our staff continue to monitor and respond to fallen trees and other facilities that could bring down powerlines.
Check out www.Belmont.gov/Storms for safety reminders.
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(Most) Parks are Open - For Now
Most, but not all, City parks were reopened today following site assessments by staff.
Twin Pines Park remains closed, as do open space trails.
Please note: subsequent rains in coming days may result in re-closure.
We thank you for your cooperation and patience. Always respect 'closed' signs even if you think the trail or park looks safe. Closure signs are in place for your safety.
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Camp SOAR Registration Opens Soon
Mark your calendars, Camp SOAR registration opens on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Eight weeklong camp sessions will run back-to-back starting June 19, 2023. Campers in grades Kindergarten through 5th will experience outdoor games, crafts, field trips, water play, and silly songs while making new friends in Twin Pines Park.
We are also pleased to expand our Inclusion Camp to five weeks for summer 2023.
Inclusion camp is reserved for children with disabilities and provides them with the opportunity to participate equally in our traditional Camp SOAR program.
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Sweetheart Dance Registration Now Open
Join us on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 as we host our annual Sweetheart Dance for children ages 5-12 and their adult guardian. This semi-formal night of fun includes a live DJ, dancing, a photo booth, crafts, refreshments, and a real-life princess!
One adult guardian's registration is included in this enrollment.
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Belmont Talks Presents: How Congress Really Works
Meet Eric Saund, Ph.D, 2020-2021 Congressional Fellow, who will explain how the Senate and the House get along, the significance of Committees, what happens when you call your representative, and much more. Come prepared with your own questions about myth versus reality on how Washington works.
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023
6:30 p.m.
Belmont Library
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Senior Center Extended Hours and Activities
With the new year upon us, we are ready to expand the offerings at the Senior and Community Center. Join us for new games, crafts, movies, and language groups, along with old favorites including lunch and movement/exercise programs.
Check out the Twin Pines Newsletter for all the details. Starting Jan. 9, 2023, the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center will open:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Fridays
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
We hope you’ll join us!
Employers: Minimum Wage Updates
New Rules Effective in the New Year
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, all employers of employees who perform at least two (2) hours of work per week within the geographical boundary of Belmont must pay those employees minimum wages of not less than $16.75 per hour.
More information available at www.belmont.gov/minwage
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Did you know?
The City of Belmont's Planning Commission meets every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont. Sign up to receive meeting notifications and agendas.
Help us Reduce Storm Risks
Limit the impacts of flooding
Thank you to all of our residents for taking action to secure sandbags for your homes and businesses. Your patience while we replenished our supplies was appreciated. Your help in limiting our city's flood risk during winter storms is vital.
We appreciated how proactive you were in preparing for the winter storms. You helped reduce the impacts of flooding.
Here are some tips on ways you can help minimize property damage:
Clear Leaves from Storm Drains
The changing of seasons from autumn to winter comes littering of tree leaves. We sweep residential streets every other week to remove leaves and debris.
Fallen leaves can make their way down to storm drains, where they gather and block inlets, and create localized flooding. Here are some ways you can help reduce the impact of localized flooding by following these simple steps:
• Move your vehicle from the street the night before your scheduled sweeping day.
• Do not blow yard debris into the roadway or gutter.
• Do not sweep leaves into piles taller than one foot.
• Place branches in the compost bin.
• Trim trees and vegetation back behind the curb, and be sure there is a vertical clearance of 14" over the roadway so the sweeper can clean to the gutter.
If you see a storm drain blocked/covered with leaves, or localized flooding is occurring due to blockage, rake the leaves away (if you are able) and notify Public Works at 650-595-7425.
Clean Property Valley Gutters
Valley gutters lie within a drainage easement, which are established on property plats to provide designated areas for surface run-off from private or public land to culverts and pipes, which empty into San Francisco Bay.
Over time, if they are neglected, storm water exiting broken or blocked gutters could erode these areas, causing instability, creating potential mudslides.
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 This newsletter is a collaboration between departments of the City of Belmont, California. Have questions or need to contact us? You can email
us at communications@belmont.gov.
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