The Environmental and Conservation
The environmental and conservation issues facing Burlingame and the Bay Area are deeply personal to me, as they directly impact our community and the natural beauty we cherish. Here are the key challenges I see:
1. Climate Change
Climate change is the most important issue facing us today, and I am committed to doing everything possible to end the use of fossil fuels.
2. Water Resources and Drought Management
With California facing increasing droughts, water availability is a significant concern. I believe we must prioritize consistent water conservation practices, especially as our population grows and resources become more limited.
3. Sea Level Rise
Burlingame's Bayfront is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, with projections indicating that significant areas could be underwater by 2070 if we do not take action. I am pleased that the city is working with One Shoreline on proposals to mitigate this danger, and I will ensure that any solutions adopted will not harm the wildlife and will prioritize nature-based solutions whenever possible. As urbanization continues, protecting and restoring local habitats is crucial. Light pollution poses a threat to local wildlife, particularly birds.
Waste Management and Reduction
While Burlingame has made progress in waste diversion and sustainability, I see room for improvement, especially with the city’s many restaurants.
Addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach involving community engagement, innovative policies, and sustainable practices. I am committed to working with residents, local organizations, and government agencies to ensure a healthier environment for both our community and the wildlife that shares it.
If elected, I will focus on several principal areas of the environment in Burlingame, addressing key challenges that impact our community and the broader Bay Area. Here’s how I plan to deal with these issues:
Climate Change
My biggest priority will be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am committed to lowering carbon emissions through building electrification, more electric vehicles, alternative transportation options, composting and many other measures. Doing so will also improve air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses.
Water Resources and Drought Management
I will promote the use of recycled water and advocate for graywater and rainwater catchment systems, as well as sustainable landscaping, in both residential and commercial properties. I will also push for educational programs to raise awareness about water conservation practices and support city ordinances that require high-efficiency fixtures in new developments.
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Resilience
I will advocate for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable areas and infrastructure, including enhancing natural buffers and implementing effective coastal management practices. Burlingame approved one of the first sea level zoning mandates in California to require buffer zones, elevated structures and other requirements in anticipation of sea level rise.
Habitat Preservation and Biodiversity
I will support initiatives aimed at restoring creek beds and enhancing wildlife corridors. By promoting policies that protect special status species and their habitats, I aim to ensure that Burlingame remains a vibrant ecosystem for both residents and wildlife.
Light Pollution and Wildlife Safety
I will champion measures to reduce light pollution, which poses a threat to local wildlife, particularly birds. Implementing dark-sky ordinances will be a priority, as they can help protect these species while improving the quality of life for residents.
Waste Management and Reduction
To address waste management challenges, I will advocate for initiatives that promote recycling and composting, including special training for restaurant employees. I believe in reducing single-use plastics and will support ordinances that limit their use in our community. By encouraging sustainable practices, I hope to enhance Burlingame's waste diversion efforts and contribute to a cleaner environment.
By focusing on these areas, I aim to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for Burlingame. I believe that collaborative efforts involving community engagement, innovative policies, and sustainable practices are essential for addressing these pressing environmental issues.
Sustainable Land Use
I strongly believe in the need for more affordable housing in Burlingame, as it is essential for creating a diverse and inclusive community. However, I also recognize the importance of protecting our environment and ensuring the safety of our residents. Therefore, I fully support making funds available for the development of affordable housing, provided that it prohibits building on former hazardous sites and in environmentally sensitive areas.
Environmental Safety
It is crucial that we prioritize the health and safety of our community by avoiding construction on sites that may pose risks due to past contamination or environmental sensitivity. I want to ensure that our housing developments do not compromise the integrity of our natural resources or the well-being of future residents.
Access to Public Transit
Additionally, I believe that all new affordable housing should require residents to have access to a public transit stop within a reasonable distance and through a safe, walkable route. Access to reliable public transportation is vital for connecting residents to jobs, education, and essential services. By ensuring that affordable housing is located near transit options, we can help reduce reliance on personal vehicles, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
I am committed to supporting affordable housing initiatives that prioritize environmental safety and accessibility. By balancing the need for housing with our responsibility to protect the environment and ensure public safety, we can create a thriving community that meets the needs of all residents.
To ensure that residents in Burlingame have access to safe and enjoyable parks and open spaces, I will focus on several key initiatives:
Enhancing Park Accessibility
I will advocate for policies that ensure every resident lives within a reasonable distance of a park or open space, ideally within half a mile. This means identifying neighborhoods that currently lack easy access to parks, such as the Easton Addition, and prioritizing the development of new parks or enhancements to existing facilities in those areas.
Improve Safety and Maintenance
Safety is paramount in our parks. I will work to ensure that all parks are well-maintained, with adequate lighting, signage, and regular upkeep. This includes collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department to implement a maintenance schedule and engage the community in volunteer clean-up and beautification events.
Expanding Recreational Programming
I will support a diverse range of recreational programs that cater to all age groups and interests. This includes sports leagues, fitness classes, and community events that encourage residents to utilize our parks. By providing engaging activities, we can foster a sense of community and encourage more people to enjoy these spaces.
Connecting Parks with Trails and Transit
To enhance access to our parks, I will advocate for the development of safe pedestrian and bicycle routes that connect neighborhoods to parks and open spaces. This includes working on initiatives to improve crossings and pathways, making it easier for residents to walk or bike to their local parks. Additionally, ensuring that public transit options are available nearby will help those without cars access these recreational areas.
Protecting Natural Areas
I will prioritize the protection and enhancement of our natural open spaces, such as the Mills Canyon Wildlife Area and the Bayfront. This involves working with environmental organizations to restore habitats, promote biodiversity, and provide educational opportunities for residents to learn about the importance of these natural resources.
Community Engagement
Engaging with the community is vital to understanding their needs and desires regarding parks and open spaces. I will hold regular town hall meetings and surveys to gather input from residents about what they want to see in our parks and how we can improve them. This collaborative approach will help ensure that our parks reflect the interests and needs of the community. By focusing on these initiatives, I am committed to ensuring that Burlingame's parks and open spaces are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents. Creating a vibrant community where people can connect with nature and each other is a priority for me
Water Conservation & Recycling, Rivers & Creeks
I strongly support increasing the use of recycled water in Burlingame and the Bay Area as a crucial strategy to address California's ongoing drought challenges. Recycled water can significantly reduce our reliance on potable water for non-potable uses, such as irrigation for parks, landscaping, and industrial processes.
Some Actions I support for Burlingame are:
Establish a Recycled Water Program: I will advocate for the development and implementation of a comprehensive recycled water program associated with our Wastewater Treatment Facility. This program should focus on maximizing the use of recycled water for irrigation and other appropriate uses.
Promote Graywater and Rainwater Harvesting: I support the allowance of graywater and rainwater catchment systems in residential and commercial buildings. This will help residents and businesses capture and reuse water, further reducing demand on our potable water supply.
Public Education and Incentives: I will work to educate the community about available water rebate programs and conservation practices. Encouraging residents to adopt water-efficient fixtures and drought-tolerant landscaping will be essential.
Collaboration with Regional Agencies: I will collaborate with organizations like the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) to leverage resources and share best practices for water conservation and management.
Implementing Green Infrastructure: I will advocate for the incorporation of green infrastructure solutions, such as bioswales and permeable pavements, to manage storm water as a resource. This will help recharge groundwater and improve water quality in our local creeks.
By focusing on these actions, I am committed to making Burlingame a leader in water conservation and sustainability, ensuring that we are well-prepared for the challenges posed by future droughts.
I believe that stream setback requirements are crucial for protecting our natural resources and ensuring the health of our ecosystems in Burlingame. These setbacks serve as essential buffer zones that help maintain water quality, protect wildlife habitats, and mitigate flood risks.
Current Requirements
In assessing whether the current requirements are too strict, too lax, or just right, I think they should be evaluated based on the specific ecological characteristics of each stream and surrounding area. While some areas may benefit from stricter setbacks, others may find existing regulations to be adequate.
Key Considerations
- Ecosystem Protection: Stream setbacks are vital for preserving the natural functions of riparian areas, which filter pollutants and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Flood Mitigation: Adequate setbacks can reduce flooding risks by allowing for natural water flow and absorption, which is increasingly important as climate change leads to more extreme weather.
- Community Input: Engaging with the community and stakeholders is essential to assess the effectiveness of current regulations and make adjustments as necessary.
- Adaptive Management: As environmental conditions change, I advocate for a flexible approach to setbacks, allowing for updates based on scientific data and community needs.
Community Engagement
Community engagement plays a crucial role in the success of green space initiatives, particularly in urban areas like Burlingame. Based on the information provided and general urban planning principles, here are some key ways community engagement affects the success of green space initiatives:
Identifying priorities:
- Through community engagement, city planners can better understand which types of green spaces (e.g., parks, community gardens, urban forests) are most important to residents. This ensures that green space initiatives align with community needs and preferences.
Local knowledge utilization:
- Residents often have intimate knowledge of their neighborhoods and can provide valuable insights into which areas would benefit most from green spaces or where existing green spaces need improvement.
Building support:
- When community members are involved in the planning process, they are more likely to support and advocate for green space initiatives. This can be crucial when it comes to securing funding or overcoming potential obstacles.
Fostering stewardship:
- Community engagement in green space planning often leads to a sense of ownership among residents. This can result in increased volunteer efforts for maintenance and care of these spaces, ensuring their long-term success and sustainability.
Balancing competing interests:
- In urban areas like Burlingame, there's often a need to balance green space preservation with development needs. Community engagement helps ensure that various stakeholders' perspectives are considered in this balancing act.
Innovative solutions:
- Community members may propose creative ideas for integrating green spaces into urban development that planners might not have considered. For example, they might suggest ways to incorporate green spaces into parking lot designs or other urban infrastructure.
Education and awareness:
- Activities serve as opportunities to educate residents about the importance of green spaces and tree preservation in urban environments. This increased awareness can lead to more support for future green initiatives.
Addressing concerns:
- Through engagement, residents can voice concerns about potential negative impacts of green space initiatives (e.g., maintenance costs, safety issues). This allows planners to address these concerns proactively, increasing the likelihood of success.
Ensuring equitable access:
- Community engagement helps ensure that green space initiatives benefit all segments of the community, not just certain neighborhoods or demographic groups.
Long-term commitment:
- Ongoing community engagement helps ensure that green space preservation remains a priority over time, even as city leadership or priorities change.
- While the search results don't provide specific examples of community engagement in green space initiatives in Burlingame, the city's approach to other urban planning issues (such as parking management) suggests a commitment to involving residents in decision-making processes. This participatory approach can be leveraged to ensure the success and sustainability of green space initiatives in Burlingame's urban development plans.
- Support seniors and youth who face mental health concerns by encouraging intergenerational connections and resource platforms.