January 2025

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!

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Photo of Woodside Town Manager Kevin Bryant

Town Manager's Note

As I write my first note of 2025, I know our thoughts are on the fires in Southern California. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their property, their loved ones and their communities. I also want to acknowledge the heaviness and fear that coexist with living in a wildfire prone area.

At the January 14th Council Meeting, Mayor Dombkowski took a moment to acknowledge the fires and I would like to share his words with you here: "We as a community share our collective grief with those that have been impacted by this disaster. As elected officials, we have an imperative to mitigate the risk of fire in Woodside and the surrounding communities. I guess we all know a lot of Woodside is in a very high fire zone and it’s a constant threat to us throughout the year. And while that is always top of mind, and we are proactively involved in doing what we can over a long period of time, in the wake of this tragedy we did reach out to Congressmen Liccardo, State Senator Becker, Assemblymember Irwin, and County Supervisor Mueller. All highlighted the need for Federal, State and County funding for fire prevention and to support our proactive efforts that we have in terms of the defensible space fund, the hazardous tree removal, work that we do and also home hardening, to hopefully increase our resiliency as a community and be able to respond to any potential event that might unfold in the future.”

Mayor Dombkowski and I are going to meet with the Fire Chief and Fire Marshal to discuss our readiness and capabilities to be responsive as a community. Mayor Dombkowski also indicated at the Council Meeting that "we are going to work to agendize our wonderful partners at Woodside Fire Protection District to come in and talk to us about our readiness and capabilities and we are going to prioritize our own education and information and efforts at a Town level - all the resources that we have from prevention to emergency preparedness and evacuation. So we will be working on that and the idea is to have a series of speakers on this and be doing what we can be doing along the way to redouble our efforts."

We have also been informed that the County Supervisors met last week and established an ad hoc committee with Supervisors Mueller and Speier to look at readiness and also lessons learned from what’s happened in Southern California (more info in the article below).

The Council's focus is to continue to work with the Federal, State and County on funding to support the great programs we already have in place. Below we have included information about many of these programs including the Town's Defensible Space & Home Hardening Matching Fund Program.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the eight personnel from the Woodside Fire Protection District that deployed to Southern California along with more than 150 personnel, two dozen engines and a drone from departments across San Mateo County.

~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:

Approved Ordinance Modifying Regulations on ADUs; Established a Program for Pre-Approval of ADUs; Updated Definition of “Emergency Shelter"

On the Horizon:

Consideration of an Ordinance that would allow the Town Council to meet between Election Day and Election Certification (Jan 28)
Award of Town Center Area Plan Contract (Feb 11)

Timely Topics - Wildfire Updates and Resources

NEWS from San Mateo County Executive's Office: In Wake of LA Fires, San Mateo County Supervisors Seek Lessons Learned, How to Boost Preparedness

On January 14, 2025, two San Mateo County supervisors said the time is now to learn from the fires raging through Los Angeles and to examine ways to improve local preparedness.

“In San Mateo County, the lessons from devastating fires in Southern California weigh heavily on our hearts,” said District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller. “As we hear the concerns of elected officials and residents, especially in our rural unincorporated communities, it’s clear: we must act now to strengthen our readiness for disasters of this scale. That’s why I am urging the Board to create an ad hoc committee to study the lessons from Southern California and assess our preparedness.

“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that when disaster strikes, we are ready—not just to respond— but to safeguard our communities, lessen the impact, and emerge more resilient than before,” Mueller said.

Supervisor Jackie Speier has asked Cal Fire and other first responders to brief the Board on current levels of preparedness and ways to boost safety.

Read full article here.

Wildfire Risk Reduction and Asset Protection Project (WRAP)

Working Group Meeting - Tuesday, January 28 - 1 pm on Zoom

Main presenters are from NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and then there will be an update and discussion on the Firewise program.

Photo of Town's Defensible Space Application

Town's Defensible Space & Home Hardening Matching Fund Program

The Town of Woodside is committed to reducing the threat of wildfire in our community. In support of this effort, the Town Council has established the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund Program.

Each program year is from July 1st through June 30th.

Defensible Space is the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified and/or maintained in a way that significantly reduces fire fuel loads and the wildfire threat and provides an opportunity for firefighters to more effectively defend the house. Additionally, defensible space needs to be established and maintained a minimum of 30 feet from the perimeter of the property. The following activities are examples of ways to create defensible space:

Removal of dead brush and woody debris;
Mowing annual dry grasses;
"Limbing up" trees that are within 100 feet of a structure;
Removal of trees for fire protection as recommended by the Woodside Fire Protection District.

The following three home hardening projects are also eligible for reimbursement under the program:

Replacement of an existing wood shake roof with a non-wood shake roof;
Installation of non-combustible ember-resistant vent screens and/or chimney spark arrestors;
Installation of an approved seismic gas shut-off device or valve that will shut off gas automatically in an earthquake.

The purpose of the Town's Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund Program is to encourage Woodside residents to create and maintain defensible space around their homes and the perimeter of their properties and take actions to make their homes more fire resistant through the provision of a matching fund grant to help offset the cost of this undertaking.

For approved projects, the Town will reimburse you 50% of the cost of creating defensible space and/or home hardening, up to a maximum of $3,000.

For more information and to apply, visit the Town's website.

From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

ReCap from Chief Cuschieri on Woodside Fire's Contribution to Firefighting Efforts

in Southern California

On Tuesday evening, January 7th the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs received notification for assistance from the California Office of Emergency Services Region 2 to assist in suppression efforts with the Southern California Wildland fires. An initial request was ordered for 50 additional Strike Teams.

The fire agencies in Region 2 use a live up-to-date resource deployment list that consists of all available resources within the San Mateo County (SMCO) operational system. This list is comprised of available deployable resources as well as uniquely qualified individuals who are signed off to fulfill certain roles in these large-scale events.

Woodside Fire immediately fulfilled the request to send one fire engine with four personnel as part of a Strike Team response from SMCO. Additionally, one more Strike Team was requested and sent by SMCO with a Strike Team Leader from Woodside Fire. A Strike Team is made up of twenty-two people which includes 5 fire engines, one Strike Team Leader (Qualified Battalion Chief) and Strike Team Leader Trainee to assist. These requests were initially sent out through the entire state then to surrounding states and beyond.

During this event, a special request was made for search and recovery efforts. A request was made for our area's California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Three Team (CA-TF3) to be activated. Woodside Fire has a total of six members (three of them deployed to Southern California) that are part of this highly trained team comprised of many specialized disciplines.

All together Woodside Fire sent a total of eight personnel while continuing to uphold our minimum staffing levels so that we can provide uninterrupted service to our District. All vacant positions within the department are backfilled with overtime to meet our minimum staffing needs.

As of January 20, 2025, five of our eight personnel have returned from this assignment.

Wildfires Are Year-Round: Take Action Now

The ongoing fires in Southern California are a powerful reminder that wildfires can strike any time of year. There’s no longer a defined wildfire season, making defensible space and home hardening critical for the survivability of our community.

Every homeowner has a responsibility to themselves, their neighbors, and the safety of our evacuation routes. If your property borders a road, remember that these are vital evacuation paths that require extra care and management.

Stay proactive: create defensible space, harden your home, and comply with the Fuel Mitigation Ordinance. Together, we can protect our community year-round!

Click here for more info.

Home Assessment Reminder

WFPD is now 6 months into completing home assessments for fuel mitigation compliance. Over 150 door hangers have been left on resident doors, asking homeowners to contact us to schedule their assessments.

Important Reminders:

Local Ordinance Compliance: Homeowners are required to comply with the Fuel Mitigation Ordinance, with 12 months allowed for completion.
Completed Assessments: If we’ve assessed your property, you have 6 months remaining before the enforcement process for noncompliance begins.

WFPD has noticed limited activity on the Fire Aside database for homeowners logging in and uploading compliance photos. You can also call to schedule a reinspection.

Visit the "Home Assessments" page on WFPD's website for more information.

Happy New Year from the WFPD!

At WFPD, we’re committed to your safety and preparedness, and 2025 means new enhancements and technology to make our programs even better for the community.

Thank you for your continued support—here’s to a safe, healthy, and prosperous year ahead!

Sign up for WFPD's New e-Notification Service!

You can now subscribe to our website and receive essential updates directly into your inbox. Visit this link to select your preferences!

Coming in January: Accela Software for Construction Permits

Starting this January, the WFPD will launch the Accela system for construction permits. This new platform streamlines the process of submitting plans, specifications, and supporting documents electronically.

Key features include:

Easy online submissions.
Automated digital signatures and file validation for faster, error-free processing.

Visit the WFPD website for more information and get ready to simplify your permit process!

Town Updates

The Town's New Electric Garden Voucher Program is set to Launch Tuesday, February 18th! Mark your Calendar to Submit an Application!

Woodside Electric Garden Voucher Program Flyer Pre-Launch

Visit the Woodside Electric Garden Voucher Program webpage for more information including eligibility requirements.

The Town is Seeking Volunteers!

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

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.

Senior Corner

Flyer Draw Together Silver Series at Library

The Draw Together Silver Series

The Draw Together Silver Series is a five-part class and art studio designed for older adults. We will come together to participate in an artistic endeavor while promoting community and connection in a safe and inclusive space.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Please register here smcl.org/events.

Fall Prevention Talk at Woodside Library

Wednesday, March 26 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Falls are not a normal part of aging. Most falls are preventable. Come and learn about ways to avoid falls and turn awareness into action.

Janel has spent the last 17 years of her nursing career in community health nursing and education. She is passionate about offering evidence-based health promotion programs. She believes in collaborative, person-centered learning with the goal of providing knowledge that empowers the individual to make small, but steady, prevention-based behavior change.

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

Regional News and Opportunities

Daylighting Law Takes Effect in San Mateo County January 1, 2025

As of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the statewide enforcement of Assembly Bill 413, California's new "daylighting law," has taken effect. In an effort to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, this new law makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension or bulb-out. Violators could be subject to ticketing.

Parked cars can hinder the view of drivers as they approach a crosswalk making it more likely for pedestrians to be involved in an incident. If cars had a better view of the crosswalk, it would decrease the number of collisions. Assembly Bill No. 413 was created to address this issue.

For more information, click here.

Pie Chart of County Expenditures and Revenues for FY 23-24

County Controller Releases Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

The annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending Sunday, June 30, 2024, has now been released. The report includes the County's government-wide financial statements, fund financial statements (including the County's General Fund), management's discussion and analysis, and more. Three core areas accounted for 82% of total expenditures: health, public safety, and public assistance services. General Fund revenues totaled to $2.1 billion while expenditures totaled $1.8 billion.

For more information, click here to visit the County's webpage.

From Our Agency Partners

GreenWaste 2025 Town Clean Up Schedule Announced

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Town Clean-Ups! Visit the Town's webpage for information on preparing your drop-off as well as additional resources on where to dispose of old medications and household hazardous waste.

GreenWaste Town Clean Up Schedule for 2025

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!

SMC Vector Control Rodent Inspection Flyer

Special Events in January and February

Help Protect California’s Natural Spaces

30x30 California Initiative

Tuesday, January 28, 7 to 8 pm

Learn how you can be part of the state’s ambitious plan to address climate change and protect diversity through California’s ambitious 30x30 initiative at a free program from 7 to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 28, at the Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame. There is no charge for admission, but preregistration is requested at https://shorturl.at/rPWHJ.

Presented by the Citizens Environmental Council, the “30x30 California” program will feature organizers of local projects aimed at achieving the initiative’s goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. It is part of a worldwide pledge by more than 100 countries started in 2020.

Sustainable San Mateo County Home Upgrade Webinar

Home Upgrade: New Peninsula Clean Energy Services to Support Your Community in Decarbonizing

Sign up for this "Home Upgrade" webinar on Thursday, February 6, at 4 pm to learn about new services Peninsula Clean Energy offers to help your city meet your climate goals and help residents save money and electrify. Communities are embracing electric appliances for everyday needs such as heating our water and homes—it's good for indoor air quality, our health and the environment. Peninsula Clean Energy's Home Upgrade Services make the transition for your residents easy and cost-effective.

This webinar is for council members, city staff and community leaders to "power up" their sustainability efforts in 2025.

Register Here.

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

Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Schedule at Library

Community Recreation Opportunities

W-Ball is Back - Games start on March 15

Register by Sunday, February 23!

Another W-Ball season is about to begin! W-Ball is sponsored by the Woodside Recreation Committee and is for kids between the ages 3 to 6 (through Kindergarten only) who want to learn to play T-Ball in a fun and safe environment. Participants do NOT need to live in Woodside. Every week, the kids will be learning the basic skills of T-ball, being part of a team, and having fun! No scoring, everyone hits, and everyone plays the field. W-Ball is an all-volunteer league - please sign up to help coach/support your child’s team. It’s easy, fun, requires no prior experience and makes a lasting impression on your child - W-Ball is a wonderful Woodside tradition! We cannot guarantee teams if we don’t have coaches. We strive for 2 to 3 coaches (parent volunteers) per team, so encourage your friends to volunteer as well!

The 2025 season will run from March 15th through May 10th (6 games total; no games on Spring Break weekend: April 5th and 12th and no game on May 3rd for May Day festivities) with games being played on Saturdays from 11:00 am to noon at the Woodside Elementary School, Kindergarten Field (south end of campus). See W-Ball 2025 Schedule.

Cost is $75 per player (includes a baseball hat & jersey). Please register through ActiveNet or drop off the registration form to the Town of Woodside with a check (made payable to Town of Woodside). The fee will be used to cover T-shirts, hats, equipment, insurance through the Woodside Recreation Committee, field use, and an end of the season party.

The registration deadline is Sunday, February 23, 2025. Late sign-ups will be allowed on a space-available basis but are not guaranteed a team uniform. If you have any questions, please email Zack Simkover.

See the Town website for more info and registration form.

Adult Art Classes - Resume in March

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

Every Thursday from 9 to 10 am (Classes noted on Town Calendar)

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!

Save the date for the Next Older Adults Workshop!

Preventing Crime in Woodside

Thursday, March 20 from 3 to 5 pm

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will be presenting. Check the Town Calendar for more info closer to the event date!

Photo of Cars and Coffee Event on November 2 2024

Save the date for the Next Cars & Coffee!

Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Check the Town Calendar for more info closer to the event date!

Screenshot of Stay Connected button on www.woodsideca.gov

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