Shop owners on the 200 block of California Drive are up in arms over what they call Burlingame city leadership's plans to "legislate them out of business."
Gary Doss, owner of the Pez Memorabila Museum, believes Mike Harvey has plans to expand his auto dealership into the block and displace seven businesses in the process. Mayor Joe Galligan said if there are plans to do so, he would like to get direction from the council before it heads to the Planning Department. The block is zoned for auto uses and each of the businesses had to get a conditional use permit to operate there. "The best thing is to have someone come forward and we'll talk about it," Galligan said, adding that he "doesn't know anything about" Harvey's proposal to expand. He also added that the city is not against small businesses since there are many small businesses on Broadway.
City Councilwoman Rosalie
O' Mahony said the city is trying its best to accommodate the businesses in light of Caltrain's plans to reconfigure the train station there and shift the parking situation. She also said Harvey's plans may never materialize. "I have no sense it's a sure thing. I heard him say it, but I've heard him say lots of things in the past," she said. Harvey is keeping specifics close to the vest.
Business owners are skittish because of a significant number of recent business closures on or near Burlingame Avenue. The most recent closure is Nelson's Coffee Shop. Most blame high rents.
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Burlingame Architect Martin Dreiling will be presenting his ideas for a mixed-use project for the city's Safeway in a public meeting next month. The plan is expected to include a supermarket surrounded by small shops and 40-70 residential units. "In short we propose a neighborhood rather than just a big box," Dreiling said in a statement. Citizens for a Better Burlingame is sponsoring the event to be held at 7 p.m., Feb. 8 at the Burlingame Lions Club.
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A goal-setting study session will be held in the Lane Room of the Burlingame Public Library Saturday to discuss the city's goals and finances for this year. The public will have a chance to share their input with city officials, and Mayor Joe Galligan will start the meeting at 9 a.m.
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The June/July 2004 CosmoGIRL! article, "Should Their Love be Legal?" by Jessica Dulong was just honored with a national GLAAD award. The article tackled marriage equality, highlighting the Gatto family of San Carlos and teen LBGBT activist Marina Gatto. Gatto, 16, was later named a CosmoGIRL of the year.
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Redwood City Police Capt. Ron Matuszak declined multiple invitations this week to appear on national TV news shows after the department arrested Rebecca Boicelli, the teacher accused of having sex with her former student. Since she's already behind bars and police believe there are no other victims, appearing on TV would only sensationalize the topic and scare residents, he said.
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The white Volvo with action figures glued to it that's often seen around Belmont is no more. Donald Kolko's art car was totaled by a drunk driver on Old County Road last weekend. The car was parked on the street and Kolko wasn't hurt. However, Kolko said trying to track down the uninsured driver responsible is turning out to be a pain.
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