October 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 Manager's Note - Retiring in May 2025
Town Council Meetings - Recent Actions and Upcoming Items
Local Happenings - Great ShakeOut and Town Clean Up November 2
November 5 Election and Voting Info
Woodsiders on the World Stage in Equestrian Sports
2025 Sustainability Awards – Apply by November 11
October is National Fire Prevention Month
Home Hardening Workshop with Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci – October 16
WFPD Course – Safe Sitters – Sunday, November 10
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Library – Tai Chi Class on Mondays at 11 am
County Health Urges Precautions Against Respiratory Viruses
GreenWaste Recycling Info
Request a Tick Bite Prevention Kit from SMC Vector Control District
Acterra Electric Home Tour - Saturday, October 19
SSMC Indicators Report: Equitable Paths to EV Charging – October 24
Library – Paws for Tales every Monday at 4 pm
Library – Day of the Dead Mini Altar Workshop – October 25
Library – Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop – October 27
First Friday - Buck's MacNiven Brothers Restaurant Tales – November 1
San Mateo County Sustainability Department FixIt Clinics
Community Recreation Opportunities – Art & Qi Gong Classes
Special Dates and Events
Town Meeting Schedule

Photo of Woodside Town Manager Kevin Bryant

Town Manager's Note

I wanted to reach out and let the Community know, directly from me, that I will be retiring from my position as Town Manager in May 2025. My family and I are planning to move away from the Bay Area next summer to be closer to our extended family and to take on new roles and responsibilities.

The Town Council will conduct an open recruitment process to find the next Town Manager and their plan is to appoint them prior to my departure in May. This will allow for the new Manager to gain some institutional knowledge from me.

Woodside is a unique and special place for many reasons, not the least of which is the dedicated and engaged citizenry and the daily presence of equestrians riding through Town. I know that Town Hall will continue to support the way of life that makes the town so desirable. I sincerely believe that it is the people who make this town what it is, and that won’t change after I turn the keys over to the next Town Manager.

This is a bittersweet decision to make, as my nearly 13 years as Town Manager of Woodside has been the pinnacle of my career. While I served as Town Manager, my two daughters have grown from kindergarten and preschool age to a college student and high school senior, so there has been a lot of personal fulfillment during this period, as well.

I’d like to recognize all the Town staff that have served with me since 2012. They are the dedicated public servants that make the Town function, many of them away from the spotlight. I’d also like to recognize the 17 community members who volunteered for the most difficult job of all – serving on the Town Council. I am forever in awe of those who put themselves before the voters for judgement. All of Woodside should be thankful for your service.

Thank you, all! It has been an honor.

~Kevin Bryant, Town Manager

Local Happenings

International ShakeOut Day - Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 am

Millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home! At 10:17 am (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety. You can also register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. - and you can include people in multiple locations through video conferencing. Visit The Great California ShakeOut webpage for more information, including flyers to plan a drill.

Did you Know? Earthquake Early Warning is now available publicly in California, Oregon, and Washington through the MyShake App!

Earthquake Warning California is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Download the MyShake App to receive warnings for magnitude 4.5 or higher shaking.

Last Town Clean Up of 2024 - Saturday, November 2 from 8 to 11 am

Image of GreenWaste Town Clean Up Postcard

Visit the Town Clean Up Days page for more information on the Clean Up Day as well as how to dispose of hazardous materials and old medications!

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.

Ballot Box location at Woodside Town Hall

When, Where and How to Vote

Local voting in San Mateo County began on Monday, October 7, with more than 438,000 ballots being mailed and voting centers opening. All drop boxes are now available.

In Woodside, there is a ballot box located to the left of Independence Hall.

Timing: Voters can cast a ballot 29 days prior to and on Election Day via mail or in person using either paper or a ballot marking tablet.
Received Someone Else's Ballot: If you receive a ballot for someone that no longer lives at your address, mark it “Return to Sender, not at this address” and put it back in the mail or in a drop box. There is also a checkbox on the envelope.
Find Closest Vote Center: Learn how to vote in person and read about special accommodations for voters with disabilities here. Updated local election information is also posted on X at @smcvote.
Track your Ballot: California BallotTrax is live – voters can sign up for email updates or check here to see their ballot’s status.
Information on Local Elections and Candidates: Find detailed information on local elections and candidates by visiting the County's Elections website.

A friendly reminder that electioneering is not allowed within the immediate vicinity of a person in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, curbside voting, or ballot drop box. The Secretary of State has a helpful Official Voter Information Notice: NOTICE Regarding Prohibition of Electioneering and Corruption of the Voting Process.

From our Town Committees

Woodsiders on the World Stage in Equestrian Sports
By the Town's Livestock and Equine Heritage Committee

Woodside is Horse Country. This has various meanings for residents who are recent or long timers, and for horse enthusiasts or those that are not involved in equestrian sports.

Yet for all Woodsiders, we recognize that from this tiny town of 2,500 homes, our rich history and passion for horses has produced some remarkable equine athletes who have competed on the world stage. Woodsiders have been recognized internationally in 6 different equestrian sports or “disciplines” requiring horse and human partnerships and intensive training to compete with the best of the best in the world.

Below are a few recent, noteworthy performances and awards.

Photo of Karl Cook and his equine partner Caracole jumping

Stadium Jumping
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, held at the stunning venue of Versailles, two team members linked to the Woodside equestrian community won the Silver Medal for Team USA. Karl Cook, who grew up in Woodside, and his equine partner Caracole gave the best performance of clear rounds and fastest times of all 56 jumpers in Paris. His teammate, 5-time Olympian Laura Kraut, rode Baloutinue, owned by a friend of Karl’s mom, former Woodside resident Barb Roux.

Dressage
Sometimes described as the sport where horses “dance”, local Akiko Yamasaki’s horse Supenkasser won Olympic Bronze and went viral as “the Rave Horse” for his performance of the Musical Freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics. Supenkasser also qualified and competed in his second Olympics for Team USA in Paris this spring, 2024. And his stable mate Ravel, an Olympic dressage gold medalist and World Cup Finals Medal winner, can be seen enjoying his retirement if one rides past his paddock near the Woodside trails.

Photo of Scott and Kathi Dancer driving carriage

Combined Driving
Three different skills are tested while driving carriages pulled by either 2 horses – (a pair) or 4 (a team.) Scott and Kathi Dancer were honored to qualify and compete on Team USA and have demonstrated their skill and grit here in the states as well as internationally in numerous European countries.

Reining and Cutting
A sport grown from the skills of cow horses critical to settling the American West is now an international sport. Woodsiders Pat and Jim Warren, long supporters of the Horse Park at Woodside and founders of Reining by the Bay, were inducted into NRHA Hall of Fame 2022 in commemoration of their many winning horses and support of the sport.

Vaulting
A form of gymnastics on a moving horse is likely 2000 years old. California, specifically Woodside, has sent top competitors to international events such as in 2022 when Kimberly Palmer won the Bronze Medal as Individual Female for USA at the World Cup Finals.

Eventing
A test of multiple skills, the same horse and rider competes over multiple days doing cross country, stadium jumping, and dressage. You can watch these contests at the Horse Park at Woodside on Sand Hill Road where past Olympians are still coaching. Local supporters and horse owners Karie and David Thomson sent their horse to the 2024 Olympics representing New Zealand.

Woodside is Horse Country. We have something very special that inspires and encourages the partnership of horse and human to reach the stars. Never underestimate the support that a small community can produce – both here in America and on the world stage.

Horses are majestic creatures that have helped humans make great strides – literally and figuratively – for thousands of years. And the partnership between human and horse is going strong in Woodside! You, family, and friends can see some magnificent horses compete here at the Woodside Horse park every spring through fall.

Contact the Woodside Livestock and Equine Heritage Committee to learn about the wealth of horse-related recreational programs and facilities within a 10-mile radius of Woodside Town Center.

Regional Opportunities

2025 Sustainability Awards Now Open - Apply by November 11

Sustainable San Mateo County Award Announcement

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Awards Program, which honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices. Applications are welcome for SSMC’s Sustainability Awards and Youth Sustainability Award, as well as the Green Building Award. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on November 11, 2024. SSMC will recognize the awardees at its 26th Annual Awards Celebration on April 6, 2025. Click here to learn more.

From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

October is National Fire Prevention Month!

This Year's Theme is Smoke Alarms:
Make Them Work for You

Woodside Fire Protection District is here to remind our community of the importance of fire safety. This month, they'll be sharing tips, and resources to help you protect your home and family. Let's work together to stay safe and prevent fires all year round!

Watch a short video here or download a Safety Tip sheet!

Home Hardening Workshop

October 16 at 4 pm
Location: Portola Valley Historic Schoolhouse, 765 Portola Road or Zoom

Town of Portola Valley Emergency Preparedness Committee is hosting a Home Hardening Workshop that is being presented by Fire Marshal Kimberly Giuliacci of Woodside Fire at the Town of Portola Valley’s Historic Schoolhouse! Check the Town of Portola Valley’s Emergency Preparedness Committee’s agenda for link to the Zoom!

Safe Sitter with CPR Class

Sunday, November 10, 9 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Fire Station 19, Redwood City

Cost: $35

Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises.

Click here for more information and to register.

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.

Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Seniors, People with Disabilities, and Others with Access and Functional Needs (AFN)

Seniors, People with Disabilities, and others with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) may have additional needs before, during and after an earthquake.

The Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Seniors, People with Disabilities and Other with Access and Functional Needs follows the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (EarthquakeCountry.org/sevensteps) with content adapted for Seniors, People with Disabilities and AFN, as well as their caregivers.

Additional resources, including this guide, are at EarthquakeCountry.org/disability.

Photo of Woodside Library Native Plant Garden

Tai Chi at the Library

Every Monday 11 am to Noon

Join Tai Chi instructor Ben Dineen in the Native Plant Garden as he leads a sixty-minute class open to all ability levels. This centuries-old Asian exercise builds stronger bodies, better balance, a sharper mind and is a great stress reliever. Visit the library's website for more information and events.

From Our Agency Partners

County Health Urges Precautions Against Respiratory Viruses

With respiratory virus season approaching, County Health is urging everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot and the new COVID-19 vaccine. Both are widely available from health care providers and pharmacies. Information is available from MyTurn.

Through its community partners, County Health is supporting no-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for uninsured and under-insured residents. No appointments, insurance or ID are needed. Times and locations are subject to change. See details here.

From GreenWaste Recovery

Did you know? GreenWaste's facility sorts for recycling the items in this graphic (and more!). The GreenWaste Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in San Jose uses AI-enabled robotics and other technology to sort recyclables by their specific material type. Visit GreenWaste's website for a virtual tour of the MRF.

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!

Order a Free Tick Bite Prevention Kit from SMCVCD!

Submit a Request for a Tick-Bite Prevention Kit

Do you live in San Mateo County? Do you spend time outdoors in natural areas? Would you like a NO-COST tick bite prevention kit?

Tick bite prevention kits include:

Information about preventing tick bites and safe, effective repellent options
Pair of fine-tipped tweezers
Tick removal device
Card showing photos and information about common ticks in California
Samples of tick repellent options

Click HERE to fill out a form to request a kit.* One tick kit is allowed per address using the form. If you need more than one kit, please email SMCVCD directly.

*Once you send the request, it may take several weeks for your kit to be delivered. Thanks for your patience!

Special Events in October and November

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.

SSMC 2024 Indicators Report - Thursday, October 24 9:30 to 11:30 am

SSMC Indicator's Report Equitable Paths to EV Charging

On October 24, SSMC is hosting an in-person event to share the findings of our 28th annual Indicators Report. This year’s report, our 28th annual, is titled “Equitable Paths to EV Charging.” Experts from Stanford, Redwood City Public Works Services Department, Peninsula Clean Energy and PG&E will make recommendations regarding what local leaders, utilities, businesses and residents can do to expand access to EV charging and address one of the biggest contributors to climate change in San Mateo County. Register here.

Paws for Tales - every Second Tuesday at the Library at 4 pm

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Open the QR Code or Click here to pre-register.

Day of the Dead Ofrendas Workshop at the Library

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

San Mateo County Sustainability Department Hosting Fixit Clinics

San Mateo County Sustainability Department Fix It Clinic Poster

Fixit Clinics are fun community-based workshops where neighbors, friends, and families work collectively to learn how to repair broken items. We’ll provide a workspace, specialty tools, and volunteer Fixit Coaches to help you troubleshoot and provide routine maintenance to your household items and appliances! Visit the Sustainability Department's website for additional dates and to register.

Community Recreation Opportunities

Adult Art Classes

Tuesdays from 11 am to Noon

Sessions available 10/22/2024 - 11/26/2024

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
Sessions available 10/31/2024 - 11/21/2024

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.

Screenshot of Stay Connected button on www.woodsideca.gov

Sign up for Notifications

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.

Don't forget to follow us on Nextdoor!

For general questions or comments, please email townhall@woodsideca.gov.