December 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.

Independence Hall and Town Hall Decorated for the Holidays

Photo of Independence Hall lit up with Holiday Lights

In this Edition

Town Manager's Note – Consider Applying to a Citizen Advisory Committee
Town Council Meetings - Recent Actions and Upcoming Items
November 5 Election Results
Annual Reorganization of Town Council on December 10
Call for Volunteers
Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
County Department of Emergency Management - Storm Preparedness
Location of Sandbag Station at Town Hall
Christmas at the Firehouse - December 18 - 6 to 7:30 pm
Holiday Fire Safety Tips and Statistics
Grandparents Getting Started Class - December 21 - 9 am to 12:30 pm
Safety Tips for Older Adults Workshop - January 16 - 3 pm
San Mateo County - Tsunami Warning Reminder to be Prepared
County Health - Update on H5N1 Bird Flu
Sheriff's Office - Tips for Deterring Criminals Over the Holidays
GreenWaste - Holiday Collection Schedule and Tree Pick-Up
GreenWaste - Extra Cardboard Set Out Instructions
GreenWaste - SB 1383 Proper Sorting - Food Waste in Gray Cart
Library – Noon Year's Eve Story Time - December 26 - 10:30 am
First Friday - American in Paris, Mary Cassatt - January 3 - 7 pm
Library – Lunar New Year Embroidery Doodling - January 9 at 11:30 am
Compost Workshop Online - January 21 at 6 pm
Community Recreation Opportunities – Art & Qi Gong Classes
Special Dates and Events
Town Meeting Schedule
Save the Date - Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra - February 27 - 3:30 pm

Photo of Woodside Town Manager Kevin Bryant

Town Manager's Note

The strength of the Town of Woodside is the willingness of so many of its residents to contribute their time to the Town. From the Planning Commission to the Audit Committee, there are over 100 individuals who volunteer their time to make Woodside an even more special place. The monthly First Friday events? Organized by the Town’s Arts & Culture Committee. The Town’s unique trail system? Maintained with the guidance of the Trails Committee. Improved Safe Routes to School? Done with the help of the Circulation Committee. And these are just a few examples.

As the calendar turns to 2025, you will receive a solicitation asking if you would consider applying to one of the Town’s many Citizen Advisory Committees. These committees are a great opportunity to give back to your community while building new friendships with other Woodsiders. More than any other factor, it is the people who define the character of this special place, and that will not change.

The holidays are a great time to spend more time with family and friends and to recharge your batteries. I extend holiday greetings to everyone in Town, and wish you the very best in the New Year!

~Kevin Bryant, Town Manager

Town Council Meetings

Recent Town Council agendas and minutes are available at https://woodsideca.gov/agendacenter.

Recent Actions by the Town Council:

Reorganization of the Town Council
Approved Cañada Corners Parking and Parklets Project with some conditions
Approved Ordinance Modifying Regulations on ADUs; Establishing a Program for Pre-Approval of ADUs; Updating Definition of “Emergency Shelter”

On the Horizon:

Second Reading of Ordinance Modifying Regulations on ADUs; Establishing a Program for Pre-Approval of ADUs; Updating Definition of “Emergency Shelter” (Jan 14)
Ordinance Modifying Town’s Construction and Demolition Debris Diversion Requirements (Jan 28)
Study Session on Commercial Parking Requirements (Jan 28)

Town Updates

November 5, 2024 Election Results

The results of the November 5, 2024 election were certified on December 5, 2024; below are the results for the members of Woodside's Town Council:

The full, official results report can be accessed by visiting the County Elections webpage.

November 5 Council Election Results Town of Woodside

Annual Reorganization of Town Council on December 10

At the Special Town Council Meeting on December 10th, the Council and community recognized outgoing Councilmember Chris Shaw and Mayor Pro Tem Ned Fluet for their years of service on the Town Council. Jennifer Wall also received commendation in recognition for her service as Mayor.

The Council also welcomed newly elected Councilmember Hassan Aburish to the Council and re-elected Councilmembers Paul Goeld and Jennifer Wall. The Council appointed Councilmember Brian Dombkowski as the new Mayor and Paul Goeld as Mayor Pro Tem.

Flyer to Join Town's Climate and Sustainability Committee

The Town of Woodside is looking for volunteers for the following Citizen Advisory Committees:

Arts and Culture Committee
Circulation Committee
Climate and Sustainability Committee
Emergency Preparedness Committee
Environment and Open Space Committee
Livestock and Equine Heritage Committee
Recreation Committee
Trails Committee
Volunteerism Committee
Woodside History Committee

These are volunteer positions and serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Council.

Interested residents may request information and applications from Melissa Cardinale at Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, or via email. Visit the Town's website to learn more about the individual committees.

Deadline for applications is Friday, January 31, 2025, by 5 pm.

Regional News and Opportunities

Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program

Did you know employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area must register annually with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program?

Employers can choose from five commuter benefit options:

Pre-tax transit benefits
Employer-provided subsidy for transit or vanpooling
Employer-provided transit (such as shuttles)
Telework one or more days a week
A custom plan that includes other modes or promotions that encourage alternates to driving alone

Learn more and enroll at: 511.org/employers/commuter-benefits-program. For more information, call or email.

Timely Topics - Storm Preparedness

Weather happens. Prepare now. Here's how.

Info and Tips from the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management

Before the Storm: Critical Steps

Don't wait for flooding - get sandbags early
Store filled bags in a dry, accessible location
Take photos of your property before storms for insurance
Clear all gutters and storm drains
Identify property's water entry points
Create simple flood barriers around doors/garages

Photo of Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Photo of gray french bulldog next to a first aid kit

Prepare for Pets with PAWS Plan

Pack food & water (7-day supply)
Add medications & vet records
Water & waste supplies ready
Secure carriers & leashes

Insurance Tips

Review flood insurance coverage now
Document valuable items before storms
Take photos/video of property condition before and after
Keep insurance documents in waterproof container
Keep receipts for all prep materials
Log when/where sandbags were placed

Power Readiness

Ensure battery banks for phones are fully charged
Gather flashlights with extra batteries
Get power banks for essential medical devices
Get battery-powered radio for updates

Critical Phone Numbers

Emergency: 911
Power Outages: PG&E 1-800-743-5002
Road Conditions: Caltrans 1-800-427-7623
Community Hotline: 211

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO KEEP ON HAND

San Mateo County Emergency Services: 650-363-4790
San Mateo County Public Works: 650-363-4100
National Weather Service: www.weather.gov
FEMA Winter Storms Guide: www.ready.gov/winter-weather
SMC Alerts Sign-up: www.smcalert.info
Know Your Zone: https://protect.genasys.com

DID YOU KNOW? The Town maintains a sand bag station at Town Hall!

Sand and sandbags are available at Town Hall for Town of Woodside residents and businesses for the purpose of storm response and flood protection.

The sand is located in front of Town Hall as shown by the yellow circle on the location map. Visit the Town's Sandbag page for more information including how to properly fill, place and dispose of sandbags.

From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

Join Woodside Fire for Christmas at the Firehouse

Wednesday, December 18th from 6 to 7:30 pm

See Santa and enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate!

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

From Woodside Fire and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. NFPA works to educate the public about potential fire risks during the holidays, offering tip sheets, videos, and other resources to help everyone safely enjoy the season.

Winter Holiday Fire Facts

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41%) home Christmas tree fires.
Nearly one of every five (20%) Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs. Eleven percent were started by candles.
Roughly two of every five (40%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.
Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candle fires in each of these months.
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Year round, one-third (32%) of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to almost half in December when candles started 46% of such fires. Cooking started one-fifth (20%) of decoration fires.

Source: NFPA's Applied Research

Christmas Tree and Decoration Fires
Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. Between 2018-2022, US fire departments responded to an average of 155 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable. Thirty-six percent of Christmas tree fires were in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast.

Holiday Cooking
In 2022, the three leading dates for home structure fires caused by cooking were: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. That's why it's important to know what you can do to help keep your friends and family safe while entertaining for the holidays

Let’s work together to make sure our community stays safe during this time. Check out some tips HERE and click on the images below to download and post these helpful flyers!

Senior Corner

Grandparents: Getting Started Class

Saturday, December 21 from 9 am to 12:30 pm (approximately)

Station No. 19, 4091 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City

Cost: $20

By Safe Sitter, this class is the perfect opportunity for you to feel prepared and empowered as you take on this special role in your grandchildren's lives!

This class is designed just for grandparents, with practical, hands-on guidance to help you navigate modern child care practices and safety tips. We'll cover:

Creating a Safe Space: Learn how to childproof your home and handle emergencies with ease.
Essential Care Skills: From diapering to feeding, discover up-to-date techniques that make caring for little ones a breeze.
The Latest Safety Guidelines: Stay informed about today’s best practices, like safe sleep recommendations and car seat usage.
Emergency Readiness: Gain confidence with basic first aid tips, choking rescue, and CPR so you’re always prepared.

Whether you're an experienced grandparent or just stepping into this rewarding chapter, this class will help you build the skills you need to enjoy every moment with your grandchildren.

Join us and take the first step in creating a safe, fun, and loving environment where you and your grandchildren can thrive. This is your chance to learn, connect, and embrace the joy of grandparenting like never before!

Visit Woodside Fire Protection District's website for more information and to register.

Town to Host Workshop on Safety Tips for Older Adults

Thursday, January 16 at 3 pm in Independence Hall

Flyer for Safety Tips for Older Adults Workshop on January 16 at 3 pm

From Our Agency Partners

Message from the County of San Mateo

Tsunami Warning Serves as Reminder for Residents to be Prepared

The tsunami warning on Thursday, December 5th serves as a reminder to County residents to be prepared for an emergency, including knowing evacuation routes and signing up for SMC Alert. The County did not implement its tsunami warning sirens on the coast because there was a high probability of no immediate danger to the area, however beaches were cleared and the community was advised to move to higher ground. The measured response was based on scientific data and verified information from trusted sources, including the National Weather Service.

Learn more about statewide tsunami preparedness and checkout the map to see if you live in a hazard area.

County Health Continues to Advise Caution for Bird Flu and Avoiding Raw Milk

H5N1, also known as bird flu, continues to spread among poultry and dairy farms in California with 34 human cases reported in the state.
While the risk of exposure to most people is low, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises against consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk.
According to the CDPH, anyone can get sick from germs in raw milk, but people with weakened immune systems, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are more likely to get very sick.
County Health has posted more information here.

Tips for Deterring Criminals Over the Holidays

With many traveling for the holidays, here are tips to deter criminals:

Double check locks. Make it a habit to lock all doors and windows before leaving, even if for only a short time.
Use security systems, if you have one.
Don't give hideouts. Trim bushes and trees near windows to eliminate potential hiding spots for burglars. Ensure your home is well-lit.
Out of town? Hold your mail and deliveries or ask a neighbor to pick them up. Don't advertise your absence or post your plans on social media.
Dispose of packaging discreetly. After big purchases, break down boxes and packaging to avoid showcasing valuable items to potential burglars.
Submit a house watch request with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. To schedule, call 650-363-4911, ext. 1 or file by online SMCSheriff.com>Services>Vacation House Checks. Ask neighbors to bring in your mail, packages, and garbage cans promptly.
Report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

For more tips and information, download the Sheriff's Office flyer on Residential Burglaries.

GreenWaste Holiday Collection Schedule and Tree Pick-Up

GreenWaste does not collect on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. If your regular collection day falls on Christmas Day, New Year's Day or the Thursday after, your collection will be delayed by one day. See example below.

Image of Recycling Bin with cardboard next to it

DID YOU KNOW? Residential customers can bundle extra cardboard and place it next the recycle bin?*

Follow these simple set out instructions: Open, Flatten, Fit!

Flatten cardboard boxes to save space in your blue recycling container
If you still have extra cardboard, tie or tape the pieces in a bundle no larger than 3' x 3' x 3’.
Place the tied, secured bundle of cardboard next to your blue recycle container on your regular collection day.

*In an effort to reduce litter, residents are encouraged to fit all recyclable materials inside the blue containers with the lids closed (businesses are required to do so). If your recyclable materials consistently exceed the space available in your blue container, contact Customer Service to see if a larger container is available to you.

SB 1383 Proper Sorting:
Food Waste Belongs in Your Gray Mixed Compostables Cart

SB 1383 Proper Sorting - Put Food Waste in Gray Container

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!

Special Events in December and January

Flyer for Library Event - Noon Years Eve

Noon Year's Eve Story Time with Biscuit
Woodside Library on December 26 at 10:30 am

Why wait until the weekend to ring in the New Year? Our libraries are celebrating all week long! Join us for a very special Noon Year’s storytime party with songs and stories, craft activities, and more! Celebrate with fun and food as we countdown to the New Year (midday style!) with our special guest, Biscuit.

Want to read up on what the characters are doing before joining us for Noon Year’s? Check out the titles on the Library's blog post.

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

Lunar New Year Embroidery Doodling at Library

Space is limited. Please register at smcl.org/events.

San Mateo County Sustainability Department Compost Workshop

Tuesday, January 21 - 6 to 8 pm on Zoom

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

Visit their website for more information and to register.

Community Recreation Opportunities

Adult Art Classes - Resume in February

Tuesdays from 11 am to Noon

Check Active for Class Dates

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 Active for Class Dates

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.

Save the Date!

Firebird Chinese Youth Orchestra - Dates Playing at Libraries

Screenshot of Stay Connected button on www.woodsideca.gov

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