July 2025The 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 www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe. |
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Town Manager's NoteAs we move into the full swing of summer, and my second full month with the Town, I wanted to update you on current projects happening within the Town, including the Town Center Area Plan update, e-bike safety, fuel mitigation and a community-wide Communication Survey. The Town Council finalized appointments to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at its July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting. The CAC will advise the Town Council during the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update, and includes representatives from several Town volunteer committees, property owners, and residents. Please see the full list of CAC members below and join me in congratulating them! Be sure to visit www.woodsideca.gov/TCAP for updates and communication on the Town Center Area Plan update. The Town recently held a Town Study Session to discuss e-bike safety in Woodside. The Town Council heard input from Woodside Elementary, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and Woodside residents. Council has directed staff to have the Circulation and Trails Committees, via a joint meeting, make recommendations for an ordinance that explicitly restricts the use of e-bikes on trails. Council has also directed staff to develop an educational website about e-bike safety, to partner with the school to provide educational opportunities for students at Woodside Elementary, and to hold an educational Town Hall once the ordinance and website are complete. The Town continues to look for more ways to partner with the Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD). As part of this effort, WFPD recently presented staff with the Woodside Fuel Mitigation Program contract to perform vegetation abatement services on Town property, including the Right of Way. Staff is preparing to bring this opportunity to Council in September to enhance our fuel abatement efforts for years to come. As the Town continues to plan for emergency preparedness, we also encourage you to have a plan and to discuss that plan with everyone in your household. Have a “Go Bag” ready and determine which items you will need in your Go Bag. Visit WFPD’s Resources webpage for the latest information on Preparedness & Education from the District. I want to wish everyone a fun and safe summer break and invite you to take our Communication Survey. ~ Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager
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Town Council Meetings
Recent Town Council agendas and minutes are available at www.woodsideca.gov/agendacenter.
Recent Actions by the Town Council:- Approved the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members for the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update (July 8th)
- Facilitated the Study Session on E-Bikes (July 8th)
On the Horizon:
- Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) Community Advisory Committee Kick Off Meeting (August)
- Woodside Fire Fuel Mitigation Program Contract (September)
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Mayor, Brian Dombkowski and Town Manager, Jason LedbetterMet with Woodside Fire Protection District Staff to Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration
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Do you live in, work in, or visit Woodside?
Take this quick Communication Survey!Please take part in the Town of Woodside’s Communication Survey and help us ensure you are receiving the most effective, timely and useful information! The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete, and your answers will remain anonymous. If you prefer to fill out a hardcopy version of the survey, you can pick up one at Town Hall. >>Take the Town of Woodside Communication Survey<< By participating in the survey, you can provide valuable feedback on how you currently receive Town communications as well as share your preferences for future outreach. Your input will help the Town identify areas for improvement, enhance communication channels, and make sure that residents and those working in and visiting Woodside are informed about important news, events, and services. Your participation will help the Town better serve you and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stay connected, informed, and engaged with the decisions and developments that impact them. We appreciate your time and input! Please email Town Hall if you have any questions about the survey. The survey will close on July 31, 2025.
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Congratulations to the Community Advisory Committee Members Selected for the Town Center Area Plan UpdateA first step in the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update process was the formation of Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to ensure that the TCAP represents the viewpoints of the community. The CAC will serve in an advisory capacity throughout the TCAP process, providing input and guidance on key planning topics, including land use, circulation and parking, safe routes to school, economic development, design character, and community engagement strategies. The CAC will meet at least four times during the planning process to ensure that their insights and recommendations are represented. The Town Council finalized appointments to the CAC at its July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting. The CAC includes representatives from several Town volunteer committees, property owners, and residents, including: - Barry Kuhl
- Carly Rivera
- Caroline New
- Christine Roberts
- Daniel Druker
- Don Lindsay
- Ehsan Farkhondeh
- Julie Sequeira
- Lee Ann Gilbert
- Lyle Weaver
- Matt Garr
- Patricia Del Gavio
- Richard Ersted
- Stephen Lubin
- Steve Patrick
- Sue Poletti
- Sue Sweeney
- Vanessa Johnson
The TCAP project began in Spring 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. There will be many opportunities for members of the public to be involved including public meetings, workshops, surveys, and pop-up events. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for TCAP email notifications by entering your name and email address on the project webpage at www.woodsideca.gov/TCAP.
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73rd Annual Woodside Junior RodeoHeld on July 4th at the San Mateo County Mounted Patrol GroundsHighlights from Anthony Riccardi, Chairman of the Junior Rodeo The Woodside Junior Rodeo continues a tradition of providing young people with the opportunity to participate in American’s oldest sport. In this rodeo, boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18 test their skill, strength, coordination, and horsemanship. They compete in accordance with the rules set by the Northern California Junior Rodeo Association to earn payouts, buckles, and points towards finals. In the process, they learn the values of sportsmanship, confidence, and competitiveness. Over the past few years, the Woodside Jr. Rodeo has grown to become one of the largest Junior Rodeos in the bay area, attracting young Cowboys and Cowgirls all across Northern California. These contestants compete in front of an annually growing crowd at the beautiful San Mateo County Mounted Patrol grounds located in Woodside, California. On July 4th, 2025, the Mounted Patrol hosted the 73rd Annual Woodside Junior Rodeo. It was a very successful event for everyone who attended. We had 152 contestants, over 3,000 people in attendance and no major injuries or issues. The weather cooperated as well, and it was one of the most gorgeous independence days in recent memory. I personally spoke with numerous patrons who told me this was literally “their first rodeo.” We had over 40 Mounted Patrol members on-site, all day cooking, selling tickets, working in the arena, parking cars and shuttling rodeo patrons. Without the help and dedication of the members of the Mounted Patrol and their families this event simply does not happen. I would specifically like to thank the neighbors of the Mounted Patrol, and the folks at Junior Riders who allowed us to park cars at their facility and on Tripp Road. Everyone I talked to had a great day at the Woodside Junior Rodeo celebrating America’s birthday. Find out more about the Woodside Junior Rodeo and check out the photos below! |
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Woodside Junior Rodeo Grand Entry |
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Captain Ben Damon, Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County
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Woodside Junior Rodeo Committee
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Crowd in Grandstands - Over 3,000 Attendees!
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Woodside Junior Rodeo Royalty
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Woodside Junior Rodeo Sponsor Flags
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Spirit of Woodside Youth Photography ContestEntry Deadline October 1, 2025The Town, in conjunction with its Arts & Culture and Environment & Open Space Committees, is pleased to sponsor the first Spirit of Woodside Photography Contest. Participants must currently live in Woodside and be younger than 19 years of age on May 27, 2025. Contest winners will be included in a special art exhibit and reception at the November First Friday event, will receive a certificate of recognition and be featured on the Woodside Town website. Visit the Town's website for more information including how to submit entries. |
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From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)
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Crack the Code of Wildfire Home AssessmentDid you know WFPD inspectors are going door to door throughout the Woodside Fire Protection District? After each inspection, residents receive a personalized report with the steps they should take to help protect their home from wildfire.
WFPD is taking the threat of wildfire seriously and taking action! Click here to view the Fire District's July newsletter including the 9 of the most common issues found in the report. Click here to schedule your Home Assessment, view your report or learn more about the program. |
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Regional News and Opportunities
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Apply to the MTC-ABAG Community Advisory CouncilDeadline Sunday, August 3Do you or someone you know care deeply about transportation, housing, and the environment as they relate to the future of the Bay Area? The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are now accepting applications for the Community Advisory Council - and they are looking for passionate community members to get involved! Click here to learn more about the Advisory Council and to apply! |
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ALERT from Courts and Sheriff's Office - Increase in Jury Duty ScamsThe San Mateo County Superior Court reports seeing an increase in jury duty scams where residents are being asked to make payments for failing to appear. The scammers pose as law enforcement officials or court employees who contact residents via phone, text, email or mail claiming payment is due to clear false warrants and fines. The Court reminds the public that at no time will law enforcement or the Court contact jurors to request payment, threaten arrest or require they turn themselves in for missing jury service. Targeted individuals should report incidents to local law enforcement and notify Juror Services via email.
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Adopt a Puppy this Summer from Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA!Have the dog days of summer got you down? We have just the remedy. Come adopt a puppy and turn that frown upside down!
Looking to fill in your summer plans with your family? Did you know that any day of the week from 11 am to 6 pm you can visit sweet, adorable, adoptable dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, bunnies, Guinea pigs, snakes, bearded dragons, turtles, and more at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA? If you’re thinking about adding a furry family member, come visit our adoption center! We have puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, and small animals ready to find their way into new homes and staff who will ensure you are matched with an animal to fit your lifestyle. An added bonus is that cats and dogs have already undergone costly vaccination, microchip, and spay/neuter procedures before they are placed up for adoption, making pet ownership so much more affordable. Best of all, throughout July, puppies up to 12 months old have $0 adoption fees. Find puppies and other dogs currently available for adoption by clicking here. |
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Other GreenWaste 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!
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The Time to Save on Home Upgrades and Electric Vehicles is NOW!Peninsula Clean Energy and Sustainable San Mateo County have teamed up to let residents know how to take advantage of major savings while upgrading your appliances and vehicle! Thanks to federal tax credits and Peninsula Clean Energy rebates, you can lower your costs on clean energy upgrades. Take advantage of federal tax credits for electric vehicles before they expire on September 30, 2025. Peninsula Clean Energy's Rebate Finder makes it easy to see which local, state and federal rebates you qualify for. You can search for rebates on home upgrades, EV purchases, energy efficiency incentives and more all in one place. For more information, click here! |
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ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County Offering
Free ADU Feasibility ConsultsAre you interested in building an ADU and looking to take the next step? The ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County is offering free one-hour virtual feasibility consults to homeowners in most San Mateo County locations! Sign up to talk to an ADU expert about your goals and the viability of your potential ADU project. Our team will assess your property’s unique characteristics and provide tailored information on the steps you can take to bring your ADU vision to life. You’ll receive a follow up report with options for your property and next steps. Learn if you’re eligible for a free consult and sign up by visiting the ADU Resource Center website and reviewing the Feasibility Consult information. |
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Special Events in July and August
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How to Hire a General Contractor for your ADU - Free Webinar!Wednesday, July 23 at 10 amJoin the ADU Resource Center of San Mateo for a free webinar on Wednesday, July 23 from 10 to 11 am to learn how to find, vet, and hire the right general contractor for your ADU. Topics to be covered: - What to ask during interviews
- How to review and compare bids
- Contractor red flags to watch out for
Presented by the ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County, featuring guest expert Jon Grishpul of Maxable. Reserve your spot today by clicking here!
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Join Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for a Special Online EventFire in Bay Area Forests: Friend, Foe, or Frenemy?Thursday, July 24 at 7 pmYou're invited to join POST for a special online event on Thursday, July 24 at 7 pm! Their featured speaker, Brian Homberger, POST’s forest health program manager, will reveal the surprising relationship between fire and forest health in our Bay Area ecosystems.
California's forests have been shaped by fire — and the human use of fire — for millennia. But removing "good fire" over the past two centuries has disrupted this ancient balance. Good fire — also known as prescribed burns — is vital for improving our ecosystem’s health and clearing out excess fuel on forest floors. Brian will share how POST draws from traditional ecological knowledge and the science of prescribed burns to restore forest health while protecting our communities. Join this eye-opening discussion on forest conservation, climate resilience, and the research behind "good fire." This free event is perfect for anyone curious about POST's innovative restoration work and the broader challenges facing forests in the region and beyond. For more information and to register, click here.
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Kings Mountain Art Fair
Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1Kings Mountain Community Center & Fire Brigade, 13889 Skyline BlvdJoin the 62nd Kings Mountain Art Fair, in-person or online, Labor Day weekend 2025. The fair offers fine arts and crafts from independent artists, selected through a jury process; there are kids’ activities, food and drinks, and more. Proceeds support the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and Elementary School. The fair is run 100% by local volunteers. Visit the Kings Mountain Art Fair website for more info! |
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Summer Adventure Continues through August 31Ready, Make, Explore!Join San Mateo County Libraries for our Summer Adventure! Pick up an activity log from one of our libraries or print one out yourself. Complete challenges for a chance to win prizes! Youth (0-18) can win a $1,000 scholarship or tickets to see the San Francisco Giants. Adults (19+) can win a County or State Parks Pass! Summer Adventure runs from June 1 to August 31, and is open to all ages and abilities. |
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Exciting Programs at the Library!
Adults/55+: |
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At Portola Valley Library - Cave Adventures With CaveSimSunday, July 27, 2025 from 10 am to 4:30 pmCaveSim is a realistic cave with over 60 feet of tunnels to explore, a 12-foot vertical caving tower, cave rescue practice with a real stretcher, STEM lessons with working cave rescue phones, and energetic games about bat biology. Learn about caves and test your careful-explorer skills with CaveSim, an all-in-one portable caving experience. Click here for more information! |
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Community Recreation Opportunities
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Qi Gong ClassesSessions on Thursday, July 24 and July 319 to 10 am at Independence Hall$10 per classQi 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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Sound Immersion Experiencewith Danny GoldbergNext Session on Friday, July 25
7 to 8 pm at Independence Hall$45 per session, pre-registrationThe Sound Immersion Experience with Gongs and Singing Bowls helps to balance and restore energy in your body. The healing vibrations pass through your body, opening blockages and allowing your mind to find peace within the sound. Through the vibrations of these instruments you can experience an inner calm and deep relaxation that enables you to journey within and center. Join Danny Goldberg as he leads this experience. Danny shares the healing vibrations of the Gongs and Singing Bowls with a heightened sensitivity offering an extremely effective way to help relax, rejuvenate, and tune inward. The Sound Immersion Experience with Danny Goldberg presents for Stanford University’s Health Improvement Program, Breathe Together Yoga in Los Gatos, Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Woodside, Peacebank Yoga in Redwood City and various other Bay Area locations. Danny shares the Sound Immersion with Google, LinkedIn, the 49er's, the Raiders, hospitals, recovery centers, veteran's centers and schools, as well as many festivals and conferences including Symbiosis, Beloved, Lightning in a Bottle, Lucidity, Days Between, Hog Farm Hideaway, Science & Non-duality Conference, New Living Expo, Wanderlust & many others.
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Special Dates and Events- Mondays: Library - Tai Chi at 11 am
- Every Second Tuesday: Library - Paws for Tales at 4 pm
- Fridays: Library - Creative Writing Group at 11 am
- July 23: How to Hire a General Contractor for your ADU - Webinar
- July 24: Qi Gong Class at 9 am
- July 25: Sound Immersion Experience with Danny Goldberg at 7 pm
- July 31: Qi Gong Class at 9 am
- August 1: First Friday Event - The Woodside Writers at 7 pm
- August 30 to Sept 1: Kings Mountain Art Fair
Town Meetings
- July 22: Town Council Regular Meeting at 7 pm
- July 28: Architectural and Site Review Board Meeting at 4:30 pm
- July 30: Planning Commission Regular Meeting at 6 pm
- August 4: Architectural and Site Review Board Meeting Cancelled
- August 6: Planning Commission Regular Meeting Cancelled
Full list of Town meetings and events:
Woodside Library events:
Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD) meetings and events:
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Sign up for NotificationsSubscribe to agendas, calendar events, Town announcements, and more! To Sign Up:- Click on the “Stay Connected” button on the Home Page or go to www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe
- Click on the "Notify Me Sign In" button
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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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