April 2024The Town Manager's Newsletter is a monthly, digital publication that includes current information and news, program and project updates, upcoming events, Council action recaps, and more! To subscribe to receive this publication and other Town information directly to your inbox, visit https://www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe. |
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Town Manager's NoteIt now feels that we have made the transition from winter to spring. The rainy season is behind us and we feel fortunate that we had a healthy rain total without the devastating storms that we endured in 2023. To prepare for the months ahead, you will see in this newsletter the schedule for the Woodside Fire Protection District Chipper Program. This program, free to residents, helps with the disposal of fire fuel, making it easier to maintain defensible space on your property. Be sure to consult the schedule and review the restrictions, and please take advantage of this valuable program. Also of note in the spring cleaning and summer preparation category are the compost giveaway that will begin on Friday, April 19th to get your gardens and landscaping in gear and the paper shredding event sponsored by the Woodside Community Foundation on Saturday, May 18th. Spring also marks the continuation of one of the great traditions in Town. The 102nd annual May Day Parade & Carnival is being put on by the Woodside Elementary School PTA on Saturday, May 4th. This is a great tradition that kicks off with a fun run and pancake breakfast and features a parade down Woodside Road. I hope that you come out and celebrate with your neighbors. While not nearly as long running as other May Day events, there will again be a soapbox derby at Town Hall in conjunction with May Day. ~Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
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Town Council Meetings
Recent Town Council agendas and minutes are available at https://woodsideca.gov/agendacenter
Recent Actions by the Town Council:- Provided direction on updating the Town’s Sign Ordinance.
On the Horizon:- The Town Council will consider the future role of the Architectural and Site Review Board. (April 23rd)
- The Town Council will consider adding additional Automatic License Plate Readers. (Tentatively scheduled for April 23rd)
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Earth Day is Monday, April 22nd
Events around the Peninsula:Check out this article in the Almanac to find out where you can celebrate Earth Day on the Peninsula this month! New Content on the Town Website!The Town's Climate & Sustainability Committee has been gathering and synthesizing content for the Town's new website so you can easily access and implement sustainable practices. Visit https://woodsideca.gov/256/Climate-Sustainability-Committee and learn more about: Carbon Sequestration, Circularity, Electrification and Green Building. |
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Compost Giveaway at Town HallFriday, April 19th after 1 pmThe Town of Woodside, in collaboration with GreenWaste, is offering free, bagged compost for residents of Woodside. The giveaway will take place in the Town Hall parking lot next to the sandbag station starting in the afternoon on Friday, April 19th. Woodside households are entitled to one bag each, available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. What makes GreenWaste's compost so special? This compost is produced from 100% recycled yard trimmings and designed to benefit soil health. It conditions soil and improves aeration, drainage, and water and nutrient-holding capacity. The compost may be used in vegetable beds, raised beds, and may be used as a soil amendment preparing soil for future planting and sod installations. It's important to note that you shouldn't stick seeds directly into it – it's meant as a soil booster rather than a planting medium. Learn more about the composting facility used by GreenWaste:
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Town Projects Spotlight
Great News! The Glens Path project is scheduled for completion this week. Keep an eye out for a community celebration in the near future.
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Talk with Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci about the New Defensible Space OrdinanceResidents will have the chance to talk with Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci about the new defensible space ordinance from 4 to 6 pm on the following dates: - Thursday, April 18th: Robert's Market in Portola Valley
- Thursday, April 25th: Ladera Shopper
2nd Reading of the New Defensible Space OrdinanceTuesday, April 30th at 7 pmAttend the WFPD monthly fire board meeting in person or online via Zoom to hear the second reading of the new defensible space ordinance. Visit the WFPD calendar for location and Zoom link. Chipper Season starts in May!WFPD's chipper program will be starting the first week of May. Now is a great time to get ready for the season! Click HERE for more information about your specific chipping date or see the schedule below.
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Messages from Our Agency Partners
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Protect Yourself from MosquitoesAs weather warms and you spend more time outside, the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District encourages you to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites with these simple steps:
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- Use insect repellent – EPA-registered repellents are safe and effective. EPA-registered repellents typically include one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, Permethrin (for pre-treating clothing). Learn more at: https://www.smcmvcd.org/epa-registered-insect-repellent
- Once a week dump items that contain water, such as tires, buckets, plant saucers, toys, kiddie pools, birdbaths, or trash containers. Mosquitoes need water to grow from egg to adult – removing water means reducing mosquito populations.
- Check and repair broken screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in the early morning, evening, and night when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you notice mosquitoes biting around your house, call the District or submit an online service request (https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service) for a technician to investigate the problem and stop the mosquitoes. This is a no-cost service paid for by taxes. Learn more at https://www.smcmvcd.org/protect-yourself-from-mosquito-bites
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San Mateo County Health Officials Urge Residents to Vaccinate Against MeaslesWith measles on the rise nationally, and recent cases locally, San Mateo County Health has joined Bay Area health officials in urging everyone to be up to date on measles vaccinations and watch for symptoms after travel or exposure. Learn more via the CDC.
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Unsure of What Goes Where?GreenWaste is here to help! Check out the quick sorting guide below or scan the QR code to the right for a full list of materials that can go in each cart.
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Caltrain Electric Train Tour & 160th Anniversary CelebrationSan Carlos Station on May 11thBe among the first to board Caltrain’s new, modern electric trains as they unveil the future of their service. Explore the spacious interiors, learn about the exciting new features, and get a glimpse of what Caltrain will be like in 2024. This is the last of three planned tours, scheduled to take place at their San Carlos station. Caltrain will also be celebrating 160 years of passenger rail on the corridor with special commemorative items. Register for Caltrain's Electric Train Tour. |
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Staff Spotlights - Meet our Two New Assistant Planners Who Joined the Town in November 2023
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Meet Town Planner, Gillian Naegele
Tell us a little about the experience you’re bringing to Woodside?I received my B.A. in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 2020 and my Master of Urban Planning from San Jose State University in 2023. For much of my early career, I worked in the nonprofit sector as a Project Manager for an environmental organization focused on the preservation of parks and open spaces in San Jose. I have public sector experience in homeless services with the County of Santa Cruz and I have also worked as a Regional Lead for the California Green Business Program and served as a California Climate Action Corps Fellow. Community planning has been my professional goal for many years now, and I’m excited that I get to bring my work and educational background to this role. What interested you in joining the Town of Woodside?Since starting with the Town, I have heard time and time again from community members that Woodside is a special place, and I couldn’t agree more! I’m a lifelong lover of the outdoors, and I was really excited about the possibility of working in a community like Woodside where people coexist with nature so closely. The Town of Woodside has a small but mighty Staff, and having the whole team under a single roof serves as a great opportunity to learn and grow alongside a group of fantastic professionals. What impact do you hope to have on the Town of Woodside?I believe that one of the greatest joys in life is being able to leave this world a better place than you found it, and I hope that my work in Woodside will help to further the incredible work that has helped create this one-of-a-kind community. What do you like most about working in Woodside so far?Working in Woodside has been a fantastic experience so far, as it has challenged me to learn new things every day and has allowed me to meet awesome folks (both Town employees and community members alike). No two days at work are the same, and I very much enjoy tackling novel projects at the frequency that I get to as an Assistant Planner with the Town. What do you like to do when you’re not working?When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, playing with my pet chinchillas, hiking local trails, baking, and reading. I enjoy learning about everything from the environment to urban form, and I try to put my love of learning to good use on my Trivia Team!
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Meet Town Planner, Keigo Justin Yamamoto
Tell us a little about the experience you're bringing to Woodside?I most recently worked as a Planning Intern at the County of San Luis Obispo. Like the Town of Woodside, much of the county is equestrian-oriented. At the county, the Planning and Building Department primarily focuses on historic preservation, environmental and coastal regulation, and preserving open spaces and parks. Site visits to various regions around the county were frequent and I enjoyed learning from, interacting, and planning with the local residents. I graduated with a B.S. in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, where I was involved in community development and helped make recommendations to General Plan documents – including the cities of Campbell, Gilroy, and King City. What interested you in joining the Town of Woodside?I visited the area on many occasions growing up. Checking out the Filoli House & Garden in the springtime is a pastime I cherish. As an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy hiking the trails in and around Woodside. I have always wanted to work in an area that has historical significance and work alongside residents who care deeply about their community. What impact do you hope to have on the Town of Woodside?As a planner, I strive to continuously create a strong relationship with the residents and visitors of the Town of Woodside. A goal of mine is to continue to promote the high quality of life for the residents while maintaining the equestrian and rural elements that Woodside is known for. What do you like most about working in Woodside so far?At the Town of Woodside, I am able to apply many of the planning principles and practices that I learned at university and at my previous employment at the County of San Luis Obispo. Working here has also allowed me to gain new experiences, learn more about Woodside and its history, and thrive overall as a planner. What do you like to do when you’re not working?I enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, and reading, to name a few. I also like playing instruments, listening to music, and watching and attending sporting events. Lastly, I enjoy quality time with my family members.
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Pre-Register Now for the31st Annual May Day Fun Run and WalkSaturday, May 4th at 8:30 amThe Woodside Recreation Committee will be hosting the 31st Annual May Day Fun Run and Walk on Saturday, May 4, 2024; 8:30 am preceding the Woodside May Day Parade. This fun event allows people of all ages to participate in a friendly race, and receive stunning T-shirts! For more information and to pre-register by Thursday, May 2nd, please visit https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TownofWoodside?orglink=camps-registration
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Woodside Soapbox DerbySunday, May 5th - Race Begins at 9 am
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What: The Woodside Soapbox Derby is an annual event that teaches children valuable skills in building and auto engineering, and then brings the community together for a safe and fun race day where kids are the stars. On race day kids will get multiple runs down the course, we'll have trophies for the racers, special awards for performance and design, and food and drinks available throughout the morning! When: The 2024 Woodside Soapbox Derby will take place Sunday, May 5, 2024. Check-in starts at 8 am. The race starts at 9 am and goes until 11:30 am, with the trophy presentation at 11:30 am. Where: The Woodside town center parking lot. And if you don't know where that is, well, it's behind the Pioneer! Who: Children ages 6 to 12 on day of the race How to register: Visit the Derby website for registration information. The price for a new car kit is $500, and that includes registration. If you already have a car, from past years or otherwise, simply register and the registration fee is $25 per racer. Build help days: Leading up to the main event we’ll host a number of community build days where cars can be assembled with guidance, and then customized to showcase each child’s uniqueness. Build help days start Saturday, April 20th! Volunteers needed! Please see Derby website for info on who to contact to help.
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Community Recreation Opportunities
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Woodside Co-Ed Adult Softball League Opening Day June 23, 2024The Woodside Recreation Committee is looking for new softball players to add to the existing teams for our summertime Woodside Co-Ed Adult Softball League. Each team plays one game per week at McCovey Field at Woodside Elementary, 6 pm, Monday through Friday. The season starts at the end of June and ends the beginning of September. Must be 30 and over for males, 25 and over for females, 18 and over for females who are family members, and be a Woodside affiliate (live in Woodside, kids go to school at Woodside Elementary or preschool, work for the Town, the schools or businesses in Woodside). We encourage family members to apply together, as most teams have both husband and wife on the team. This is a fun league! If you are interested in starting a team or being on one please, email the Town. Check the Town website in May 2024 for league information and registration. Qi Gong Classes on Thursdays from 9 to 10 amQi Gong is an ancient Taoist practice that develops skills for adding years to your life and life to your years. Sign up for individual classes held on Thursdays from 9 to 10 am in Independence Hall. Each class stands on its own and there is lots of variety! Sign up for individual classes on Active. Yogalates with Angela on Tuesdays from 9 to 10 amYogalates combines the best of both worlds: Yoga and Pilates. Yogalates consists of a series of postures designed to stretch, strengthen, and tone muscles while also increasing blood flow. Pilates promotes healthy posture by strengthening the core, improving balance, coordination, and awareness. Classes starting again on April 2nd from 9 am to 10 am every Tuesday in Independence Hall. Sign up for individual classes on Active.
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Special Dates and Events- April 19: Compost Giveaway at Town Hall after 1:00 pm
- April 23: Earth Day Family Storytime & Sunflower Seed Planting at Library
- April 30: WFPD 2nd Reading New Defensible Space Ordinance
- May 3: First Friday - Woodside Elementary School Jazz Band
- May 4: May Day Parade, Fun Run and Carnival
- May 5: Woodside Soapbox Derby
- May 18: Shred It Day from 8 am to 11 am (or until truck is full)
Town Meetings- April 17: Planning Commission Meeting at 6 pm
- April 23: Town Council Meeting at 7 pm
- May 1: Planning Commission Meeting at 6 pm
- May 6: Architectural and Site Review Board Meeting at 4:30 pm
- May 14: Town Council Meeting at 7 pm
- May 15: Planning Commission Meeting at 6 pm
Full list of Town events:Visit the Town’s website https://www.woodsideca.gov/ for full calendar of meetings and events. Woodside Library events:Visit the Library’s website for a full list of their events: https://smcl.org/locations/1W/. |
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Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz 2024Friday, May 17th to Monday, May 20th
Following two years of rain we anticipate that this will be a very important time to survey the distribution of SOD in your community.
Follow these links to find out more, sign up, and participate: The SOD Blitz 2024 Schedule includes the name and email address of our local organizers who are also able to answer questions and assist you.
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Sign up for NotificationsWith the launch of the Town’s new website, you can now subscribe to agendas, calendar events, Town announcements, and more! To Sign Up:- Click on the “Stay Connected” button on the Home Page or go to https://www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe
- Click on the "Notify Me Sign In" button
- Create an account: all users will need to create a new account in the .gov website
- Sign In: select if you would like text messages and enter your cell number
- Select Subscriptions: select which emails or text messages to receive; you will see a green checkmark on any lists that you have previously subscribed
Helpful Tips:- Subscribe to all the lists you are interested in at one time! You will receive an email/text message to confirm your subscriptions.
- Add listserv@civicplus.com to your safe senders list.
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