September 2024

The e-Woodsider 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.

In this Edition

Town Council Meetings - Recent Actions and Upcoming Items
Local Alert - Road Closure in Portola Valley Saturday, September 21
November 5 Election Update
20th Anniversary of Day of the Horse - Fri/Sat/Sun, October 11 to 13
California Coastal Cleanup Day - Saturday, September 21
Bay Area SunShares - Regional Solar and Battery Group Buy
Safety Corner with Fire Marshal Giuliacci - Monday, September 23
September is National Preparedness Month
N5 Sensors Installed in Woodside
WFPD Course - Grandparents Getting Started - Saturday, September 28
Library - AARP Driver Safety Course - Mon/Tue, September 30/October 1
Ready.gov Disaster Preparedness Info for Older Adults
County Health Urges Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
September is Suicide Prevention Month
GreenWaste Piloting Zero Emissions Refuse Collection Truck
How to Request No-Cost Yellowjacket Nest Treatment
First Friday - John Singer Sargent in Spain - Friday, October 4
Movie Night - Fantastic Fungi Remastered - Sunday, October 6
Fly the Sustainable Skies of SFO - Thursday, October 10
Acterra Electric Home Tour - Saturday, October 19
Community Recreation Opportunities
Town Meeting Schedule
Save the Date - November 2 is Last Town Clean Up of 2024

Photo of Woodside Town Manager Kevin Bryant

Town Manager's Note

This October the Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!) will be celebrating the 20th year of the Day of the Horse. Along with May Day, this is my favorite annual celebration. For starters, the Day of the Horse celebrates all things equestrian, which I believe is the key indicator that Woodside remains a rural community. I have been with the Town for over 16 years, and I still think there’s something magical about seeing people on horseback riding along our trails. Even more than that, I love that you will see horses tied up at the hitchracks that dot the Town Center. There can be no dispute that Woodside is Horse Country.

The Day of the Horse also represents the power of an idea and what committed citizens can accomplish with determination and support. It began before my time, but my predecessor received two committed local equestrians who approached her with the idea of having a fair at Town Hall to celebrate the equestrian heritage of Woodside. Without hesitation, the Town Manager told them to go for it. They did, and it has grown every year since.

These days the Day of the Horse is a three-day celebration with events that take place on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. The Town is proud to support and provide Town Hall for the opening night reception on Friday and the Horse Fair on Sunday. I encourage you to attend one of the events and look for the riders who will be out on the progressive ride on Saturday.

~Kevin Bryant, Town Manager

Local Alerts

Road Closure in Portola Valley

Saturday, September 21 at 9:45 am

for Annual Zotts to Tots Race

The roads will close at 9:45 am along the race route on Alpine Road and Portola Road. The race will start promptly at 10 am. As the last runner passes each intersection and driveway, that section of the road will reopen. For example, the businesses at the corner of Alpine and Portola Roads will quickly open as the race will pass it in the first 10 - 15 minutes. Westridge Drive will stay open as a detour to the other side of Portola Valley.

Please be careful when driving around Portola Valley on Saturday as there will be a large amount of families, runners, bikers, and equestrians making their way along the trail to the picnic at the Portola Valley Town Center.

Town Updates

November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election

The filing period for write-in candidates is Monday, September 9, 2024 through October 22, 2024. Write-in candidates must make an appointment with the Town Clerk to obtain and file Write-In Nomination Papers, the Statements of Write-In Candidacy and other required documents between those dates.

Visit the Town's Election page for more information.

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Day of the Horse!

Woodside Day of the Horse - A Fun-Filled Celebration for All

Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 13, 2024

The Woodside Day of the Horse annually celebrates the unique equestrian heritage of Woodside and the extraordinary contribution horses make to the quality of life throughout San Mateo County. Made possible by a public-private partnership of Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!), the Town of Woodside and our generous Sponsors and Volunteers. This year's event will include:

Friday, October 11: Opening Reception
Saturday, October 12: Progressive Trail Ride from 11 am to 3 pm
Sunday, October 13: Family-fun Horse Fair

Click here for more information and to register for the trail ride.

Woodside Day of the Horse Progressive Trail Ride Flyer

Regional Info and Opportunities

California Coastal Clean Up Day Poster 2024

40th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day - Saturday, September 21

The Coastal Cleanup Day is a great way for families, friends, community groups, and schools to come together to help clean up creeks, parks, neighborhoods, and local beaches.

There are many ways to participate - join a coastal event on September 21 or organize a self-led Neighborhood Cleanup the whole month of September! Visit the County's Coastal Cleanup Day website for more information.

Bay Area SunShares image of webinar announcement

Bay Area SunShares provides a discount on turnkey solar installations and home battery storage. Any resident in the Bay Area’s 9 counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma) can sign up for the SunShares discount at bayareasunshares.org between September 1st and November 15th, 2024. SunShares is administered by the Business Council on Climate Change.

From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

Safety Corner with Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci

Monday, September 23 from 3 to 5 pm

Horse Park of Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road

Stop by to speak with Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci about National Preparedness Month and what Woodside Fire is doing to keep the community safe.

Find out more about Firewise Communities.

Image September is National Preparedness Month

Visit the WPV-Ready Store for ready-made-kits you can purchase and the WPV-Ready Website for more information on how to prepare your family.

"Ready" is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. Visit their website for more information on National Preparedness Month and how to Build a Kit.

N5 Sensors Installed in Woodside!

Image of N5 sensor installation partners

The N5 Sensors have come to WFPD - thirteen sensors have been installed around the Fire District.

N5 Sensors are state-of-the-art fire detection devices designed to provide early warnings of potential fire hazards. These sensors use advanced technology to detect smoke, heat, and other indicators of fire more accurately and quickly than traditional smoke alarms.

Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, Palo Alto Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services, and WFPD, have collaborated with Stanford University, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, and N5 Sensors to bring the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) based wildfire smoke sensing technology to wildland urban interface (WUI) areas in Palo Alto, Stanford and WFPD (the sensors will be installed in the Town of Woodside, Town of Portola Valley and the unincorporated regions of San Mateo County).

As part of WFPD's commitment to community safety, we are installing 13 N5 Sensors in key locations across our district. These sensors will:

Provide Early Detection: The advanced technology in N5 Sensors allows for quicker detection of potential fires, helping to prevent the spread of fire and saving lives.
Reduce False Alarms: N5 Sensors are designed to minimize false alarms by accurately distinguishing between real fire hazards and non-threatening situations.
Support Community Safety: Even with only a few sensors installed, the data collected can help us understand fire risks better and enhance overall fire safety in our district.

Learn more about N5 sensors and the benefits to our community.

NEW - Senior Corner

Did you know over a quarter of the adults who live in Woodside are seniors? Starting with this edition of the newsletter, we will highlight resources and opportunities specifically geared toward our over 65 residents.

Grandparents: Getting Started Class

Saturday, September 28 from 9 am to Noon

Station No. 19, 4091 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City

Cost: $20

Many things have changed since the participants in Grandparents: Getting Started raised their children. It is important for grandparents to learn the new recommendations for care based on research from doctors and scientists studying the physical and emotional development of infants and children.

Learning tips on creating a good relationship from the start as well as learning to say no to every request to babysit will help grandparents enhance their relationship with their children and create lasting memories with their grandchildren. Click here for more information and to register.

Two-Day AARP Driver Safety Course

Monday, September 30 at 1:30 pm and

Tuesday, October 1 at 1:30 pm

This two-day course, presented by AARP, will cover topics such as defensive driving, ways to reduce crash risks, rules of the road and the different kinds of driving challenges that come as we age. This course is intended for adults age 50+ and attendees must go to both days. Upon completion of the course, attendees may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Space is limited - reserve your spot at smcl.org/events.

Image of Take Control Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults

Ready.gov Disaster Preparedness Info for Older Adults

As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. The Ready.gov webpage for Older Adults has information to assess your needs and take simple, low-cost steps that help you get better prepared. The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults is intended to support older adults and their caregivers in preparing in three easy steps: assess your needs, create a plan and engage your network. The guide provides easy-to-read, user-friendly worksheets that walk individuals and caregivers through a self-assessment to identify specific needs and checklists that create a personalized plan.

From Our Agency Partners

County Health Urges Everyone Eligible to Receive the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense against severe illness and death. New formulations of the vaccine for the 2024-25 season are now available in many locations. The Center for Disease Control is recommending everyone ages 6 months and older to receive these updated vaccines as they are designed to better match the currently circulating strains. Check with your primary health care provider or a pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, or others for availability.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

"Love Over Loneliness" is this year's theme for National Suicide Prevention Month. So many of us have experienced loneliness, because we’re missing a feeling of connection. We can foster a sense of belonging and grow meaningful relationships at any age. You can do this for yourself or for someone you know. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free 24/7 support. For more information on suicide prevention, go to smcsuicideprevention.com.

Image of Suicide Prevention Month information from San Mateo County

During the month of September, Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, StarVista and the California Mental Health Services Authority are promoting local events to provide support and raise awareness about preventing suicide. See a calendar of events, including workshops, book discussions and suicide prevention trainings. Facing a mental health crisis? StarVista’s Crisis Services offers extensive support for all ages. Their dedicated team is here to help with crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and connecting you to essential resources.

From GreenWaste Recovery

GreenWaste is Piloting North America's First Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Zero Emissions Refuse Collection Truck

Thanks to their work with Hyzon and New Way Trucks, GreenWaste Recovery is excited to announce they are piloting North America's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered zero emissions refuse collection truck in the communities they serve.

To read more about GreenWaste firsts, visit their innovation webpage.

Need to get rid of Household Hazardous Waste? Call San Mateo County Health at 650-363-4718 or visit the County's Household Hazardous Waste page to schedule a drop-off appointment.
Other sorting or service questions? Check out GreenWaste's What Goes Where guide to find out what belongs in each of your carts and review the Service Guide for additional services such as the two, free on-call cleanups per year!

Image of beekeeper removing yellowjacket ground nest

Request a NO-COST Treatment of Yellowjacket Nests

If you know where the nest is, SMCMVCD staff can visit to treat the nest. Yellowjackets typically build their nests in holes in the ground. Call SMCMVCD at 650-344-8592 or visit their website to submit a request. Learn how to find a nest on your property: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsS0CsdcLKY

SMCMVCD – San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District provides services to all of San Mateo County. Services are covered by tax dollars, so there is no additional cost to request District services.

Special Events in October

Visit the Woodside Arts & Culture Committee's YouTube Channel to view recordings of past events.

Image of Movie Night Flyer on Oct 6 Fantastic Fungi Remastered

MOVIE NIGHT - FANTASTIC FUNGI REMASTERED

Sunday, October 6 at 5:30 pm (Doors open at 5 pm)

Woodside's Environment & Open Space Committee invites you to a special screening of the documentary FANTASTIC FUNGI REMASTERED. Fantastic Fungi Remastered is a feature-length documentary that takes viewers on a captivating time-lapse journey into the magical and mysterious world of fungi. It explores their incredible medicinal properties and their vital role in healing, sustaining, and regenerating life on Earth, a process that began 3.5 billion years ago.

Doors open at 5 pm
Come early to get a seat and some popcorn!
Movie run time: ~ 81 minutes

Fly the Sustainable Skies of SFO - Thursday, October 10 at 7 pm on Zoom

Image of aviation biofuel refueling truck

Learn what airports are doing about climate change on Zoom on Thursday, October 10 at 7 pm. Presented by the Citizens Environmental Council (CEC) and cosponsored by 350 Silicon Valley, Acterra, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Peninsula Clean Energy, and Sustainable San Mateo County. Erin Cooke, SFO’s Sustainability and Resilience Director, and Courtney Carroux, the airport’s Net Zero Lead, will describe steps SFO is taking to reach its net zero carbon goal by 2030, how it’s helping stakeholders reach their goals and how passengers can travel more sustainably. Admission is free, but you must pre-register.

Acterra Electric Home Tour - Saturday, October 19 from 11 am to 3 pm

This fall, Acterra will host Electric Home Tour 2024, a free event inviting the public to explore innovative, electrified homes across the Bay Area. On Saturday, October 19, homeowners throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties will open their doors to showcase the electric appliances and equipment they’ve installed as replacements for gas-powered products.

Visit the Electric Home Tour website for more information and to register.

Community Recreation Opportunities

Adult Art Classes

Tuesdays from 11 am to Noon

in September and October

Join local artist Shazia Jang for a one-hour art class where all materials are provided. Dive into simple and creative projects using watercolors, acrylics, and art markers. Whether you're working on small canvases or home decor pieces, you'll leave with a finished masterpiece. For more details about Shazia, visit Shazia's website or email Shazia.

$35 per class; 4+ classes $30 per class. Please register for one or more classes through Active.

Qi Gong Classes

Thursdays from 9 to 10 am
Check Schedule on Active for Dates in September and October

Qi 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! Check Active to sign up for individual classes.

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