City News
Caltrain Under Fiscal Distress
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Caltrain Executive Director Michael J. Scanlon called the board’s action “the first step in the process” and said, “Hopefully, we will be able to come up with additional funding sources before we are forced to implement drastic service changes.”
Operation of the current 86 train schedule would result in a $30 million deficit. With projected available funds, Caltrain would be forced to operate 48 trains only during weekday peak-commute hours. In addition, service would be suspended at up to seven of the following stations: Bayshore, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Burlingame, Hayward Park, Belmont, San Antonio, Lawrence, Santa Clara and College Park.
All other service would be eliminated, including weekday service outside the commute peak, service south of the San Jose Diridon station, and weekend service.
Service for special events, including baseball games and Bay to Breakers, also would be suspended.
A 25-cent increase to the base fare also will be considered.
Caltrain’s fiscal year begins July 1 and changes to service would take effect July 2.
The public hearings will be held at the March 3 Caltrain Board meeting at 10 a.m. at 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos.
In addition, four community meetings will be held throughout the Caltrain service area to give the public additional opportunity to review proposals, ask questions and provide comment.
Feb. 14 – 7 p.m. San Jose City Hall | City Council Chambers
200 East Santa Clara St.
Feb. 16 – 6 p.m. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency | Atrium
1 South Van Ness, San Francisco
Feb. 17 – 6 p.m. Gilroy Senior Center
7371 Hanna St., Gilroy
Feb. 17 – 6 p.m. San Mateo County Transit District | 2nd Fl. Auditorium
1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos
Comments also can be e-mailed to changes@caltrain.com; sent by regular mail to District Secretary, Caltrain, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070; or telephoned to 1.800.660.4287 (TDD for hearing impaired only 650.508.6448).
Caltrain relies on contributions from its three partner agencies - the City and County of San Francisco, the San Mateo County Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority – to balance its budget.
Information about the proposed declaration of fiscal emergency and service and fare changes will be posted on the Caltrain website – www.caltrain.com - by Feb. 9.
Last year, SamTrans was forced to reduce its annual contribution to Caltrain. As a result, four midday trains were eliminated, staffed ticket offices were closed and zone fares were increased 25 cents.
This year, SamTrans is expected to reduce its annual contribution to Caltrain to approximately $4.8 million, a reduction of approximately $10 million. If the other partners follow suit, the budget shortfall is expected to be $30 million.
New Code Enforcement Program
Printer-friendly versionIn an effort to keep Brisbane the safe and desirable living and working environment that it is, the City has commenced a new Administrative Code Enforcement program. The goal of the program is to work in partnership with responsible person(s) to accomplish the corrective action and maintain Brisbane's quality of life...all the while avoiding the courts and saving on legal fees which normally would rack up if using the judicial method in dealing with code violations.
To learn more about the Administrative Citation program, please click here.
Beware of Phishing
Printer-friendly versionDoes the following look like a legitimate e-mail to you?
Don't be fooled. The community member who received it wasn't. After reading this e-mail from "Bank of the West", they replied saying they didn't have an account with them. What they got in return was an e-mail with a login field. Using a made-up login ID, they saw on the subsequent page more fields, asking for all of their personal information.
Scammers are becoming more savvy these days, and we need to make sure we're "on guard" against them and their schemes. Click here to read some helpful tips on how you can do just that, and the top 10 scams everyone who uses e-mail should be aware of.
Follow-up to the Fence Survey
Printer-friendly versionThanks for your help! A recent on-line survey initiated by the Planning Commission to get community input on the subject of residential fences generated over 50 responses. The Commission is taking these comments into account in developing recommended fence regulations for the City Council’s consideration. Based upon your feedback, the Commission is considering allowing the 6 ft. height limit for residential fences in side and rear yards to be raised to 8 ft. through the addition of lattice, while requiring a public hearing to build new chainlink fences in the residential districts. A draft ordinance will be posted on the Community Development Department’s webpage prior to the Planning Commission’s public hearing at 7:30 pm on February 10th, and you are invited to attend.
A Very Helpful Donation
Printer-friendly versionEarlier in 2010, Station 81 was in need of some outdoor improvements. The task at-hand was to asphalt three specific weed-infested areas: the front hydrant area and two locations to the rear of the station. Pictures shot by Firefighter Isaac Hinojos depict the problem areas:
Thanks to the generous donation of materials rendered from EBI Aggregate, Station 81's outdoor improvement project was a success. Not only did the new asphalt help with weed control but it also enhanced the overall appearance of the Brisbane Fire Station.
Special thanks and appreciation to Bob Guida and his staff. Soon, the firefighters will be presenting them with a few tokens to show their sincere appreciation in true Brisbane firefighter spirit. Stay tuned...