August 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!

To subscribe to receive this publication and other Town information directly to your inbox, visit www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe.

Photo of Woodside Town Manager Jason Ledbetter

Town Manager's Note

As kids prepare for the end of summer break and the start of a new school year, the Town of Woodside is preparing for an increased level of public engagement and workshops concerning the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update. This planning effort builds on the Town Center’s historic roots and character while exploring ideas for new housing opportunities and walkable spaces, improved parking and circulation (for vehicles, pedestrians, equestrians, and bicycles), and enhanced urban design and public amenities. The Town will have multiple community engagement opportunities over the coming 6-12 months to hear from citizens on the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update.

The first Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting will take place August 26 at 6 pm here at Independence Hall. The CAC will advise the Town Council during the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update. Please continue to visit www.woodsideca.gov/TCAP for updates and communication on the Town Center Area Plan update.

The Town of Woodside continues to encourage public participation and offers a multitude of ways to get involved or have your voice heard. One of the simpler ways to engage the staff on issues within the Town is to utilize our Citizen Request Tracker. The Citizen Request Tracker is a pathway for the public to bring attention to issues that need to be resolved in the community such as code violations, street repair issues, traffic signage issues, trail concerns, flooding issues, and general concerns. The entire process can be done on your phone or computer, and here is a tutorial on how to use this service www.woodsideca.gov/requesthowto.

Town staff have partnered with the History Committee and Woodside Museum Volunteers to repaint the inside of the Historical Woodside Museum. After the painting and minor improvements have been made to the inside of the Historical Woodside Museum the installation for the 100th Anniversary of the Woodside Fire Protection District will open; the museum volunteers are shooting for a September exhibit opening.

Are you, or do you know, a Woodside resident who is 19 years or younger as of May 27, 2025? Please consider inviting them to enter the Spirit of Woodside Photography Contest. Contest winners will be included in a special art exhibit and reception at the November First Friday event on November 7 at Independence Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Please find more information here.

I will be attending the Taste of Woodside Rotary event on September 7 from 4:30 to 8 pm and am looking forward to meeting our local vintners and restaurateurs. Visit the Taste of Woodside website for more information.

~ Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager

Town Council Meetings

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

Recent Actions by the Town Council:

Ratification of the Fire Hazard Severity Map (July 22)
Authorization for the Town Manager to contract for the Old La Honda Road Drainage Improvement Project (July 22)

On the Horizon:

Community Advisory Committee kick off meeting (August 26)
Woodside Fire Fuel Mitigation Program contract (September 9)

Town Updates

Photo of Woodside Elementary School kids walking on side of Woodside Road

First Day of School for Woodside Elementary - Wednesday, August 20

Back to school means a focus on safe driving!

As the back-to-school season begins, it is a good time to re-focus on being safe and cautious drivers. Make sure to check out the back-to-school safety tips from the National Safety Council to help keep everyone safe on the roads.

Visit Woodside School District's website for the latest information and resources on Parking Lot, Pedestrian, Bike and Roadway Safety around local schools.

Updates from Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

Home Assessment Program Update - We Need Your Help

We are still actively working to complete Zones 1–4 of our home assessments. Descriptions of each zone can be found on our website for reference. One of our biggest challenges has been reaching residents when they’re not home. To help us expedite the process, we’re asking neighbors to organize their street or neighborhood into groups and then call us to schedule a date when everyone can be home. Your participation is key to keeping our community safe and fire-prepared!

Click here to schedule your Home Assessment, view your report or learn more about the program.

Also visit the District's updated Annual Abatement Program page, including vacant lots.

Woodside Fire Protection District
Upcoming Trainings and Workshops!

CERT Basic Training – Starts September 15!

Monday Evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Ladera Recreation District

Join us for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training, held Monday evenings from September 15 to October 27, plus one Saturday session on October 25. Learn how to help yourself, your family, and your neighborhood when disasters strike, and emergency services may be delayed.

Location: Ladera Recreation District, 150 Andetta Way, Portola Valley
$35 registration includes hands-on training, CERT backpack, Field Guide, and a Family First Aid Kit. Refreshments provided!
Topics: include disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search & rescue, medical operations, and more.

Click here to learn more and Register!

Photo of Hub Participants in Practice Exercise

Explore the “Village Hub” Concept – A New Approach to Neighborhood Preparedness

Practice Event in Ladera

Saturday, August 23 from 10 am to 1 pm

If you're interested in a simple, highly localized disaster response model that’s easy to implement and doesn’t require extensive training or expensive equipment, check out the Village Hub approach:
certaintogether.org

This model empowers neighbors to help each other after a disaster, with minimal resources and maximum impact. It’s a perfect complement to CERT and Ready/Firewise programs—especially for neighborhood captains looking for practical, sustainable tools.

Practice Event: Ladera is leading the way within the Woodside Fire Protection District and will host a Village Hub practice event on Saturday, August 23 from 10 am to 1 pm in Ladera. Drop in to observe or sign up to participate!
Volunteer Orientation: A 90-minute Zoom volunteer orientation is available for anyone who wants to get involved—details on certaintogether.org.

WPV-CERT volunteers Nigel Ray and David McQuilkin are pioneering this model with Ladera’s revitalized emergency preparedness team. Plus, we’ve begun training Readynet radio operators to serve as communication links between neighborhoods and CERT’s incident command post.

Learn more in this 4-minute video: Watch now

Safe Sitter® with CPR

Saturday, August 30 or September 13 from 9:30 am to ~4 pm

Fire Station 19 Training Room - 4091 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City

Cost: $35

Prepare your child to stay safe and confident! Safe Sitter® is a dynamic, fun-filled course tailored for students in grades 6-8, teaching them essential skills for staying safe when home alone, watching siblings, or babysitting. Led by experienced instructors, this interactive class includes exciting games and role-playing exercises that keep learning engaging and memorable.

What students will learn:

Safety Skills: Equip your child with the knowledge to handle emergencies like power outages and severe weather, ensuring they’re always prepared.
Child Care Skills: Learn effective tips for managing children’s behavior, understanding different stages of child development, and even diapering practice!
First Aid & Rescue Skills (CPR Included!): Students love mastering lifesaving skills such as choking rescue and CPR. They'll also learn how to quickly assess and respond to injuries or illnesses.
Life & Business Skills: From screening babysitting jobs to discussing fees with confidence, students will be set for success in all future opportunities, practicing these skills through role-play.

SPACE IS LIMITED - Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity – sign up today by emailing Selena Brown.

Regional News and Opportunities

Photo of Youth Climate Ambassador Participants working on a project together

Apply to Join the Youth Climate Ambassador Leadership Program

Open to High School Students

Application Deadline: Monday, September 1 at 11:59 pm

San Mateo County's Youth Climate Ambassador Leadership Program is now accepting applications from high school students in grades 9-12, that are eager to build leadership skills, take meaningful local climate action, connect with like-minded peers, and implement impactful community projects.

Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) is a seven-month leadership program that empowers high schoolers to become local climate leaders, fostering youth-led action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cultivate resilient, sustainable communities.

Participants will deepen their understanding of the climate crisis, explore local solutions, join a motivated network of youth activists, and earn a stipend for completing the program. Interested students can learn more and apply online before the Monday, September 1, deadline at 11:59 pm.

Click here for more information and to apply!

Learn What County Government Really Does

Sign up for the Civics 101 Academy

Application Deadline: Friday, August 29

The County of San Mateo is now accepting applications for its free Civics 101 Academy, a nine-week program offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at how County government works. Starting in September, participants will meet department heads, explore topics from public safety to parks, elections to libraries, and learn how to get involved in shaping their community’s future. The sessions take place one evening a week in Redwood City, with snacks provided.

Have questions about local government? Want to learn from department heads and other county leaders? Then Civics 101 is for you!

Click here to view the program schedule and apply! Space is limited.

Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program Registration Opens August 20

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Program opens for registration on August 20 and runs through October 1.

In an EBB seismic retrofit, the foundation is "bolted" to the frame of the house, and when there are walls called "cripple walls" in the crawl space under the house, they are "braced" with plywood. This helps prevent the house from sliding or toppling off of its foundation during an earthquake. An EBB seismic retrofit is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation.

Qualifying homeowners may receive up to $3,000 in grant funding for a seismic retrofit of their home to reduce the risk of earthquake damage.

Visit earthquakebracebolt.com to learn more.

Coming soon! Qualified non-owner-occupied residences are now eligible for an EBB retrofit grant during the August 20 - October 1 registration period. Sign Up for updates.

From Our Agency Partners

Update from County Department of Emergency Management:
What Two Recent Tsunamis Taught Us About Getting You Better Emergency Alerts

Two recent tsunami events gave the Department of Emergency Management a real-world test of its emergency alerts.
The department reviewed what worked and what didn’t in reaching people quickly and clearly.
Efforts are underway to improve message clarity, so residents know exactly what to do to protect themselves and their families.
Coordination between agencies is being streamlined so alerts arrive faster and with consistent instructions.
When alerts work well, you know immediately whether you're in danger, what steps to take to protect yourself and your family, and how much time you have to act. But alerts work best when you’re already prepared.

Learn more in an in-depth article by Dr. Jeannette Sutton, globally recognized expert on disaster communications, and Ryan Reynolds, Assistant Director of San Mateo County Emergency Management.

SB 1383 Sorting Reminder Image - Food Waste Goes in Gray Mixed Compostables Cart

Reminder from San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District: Report Biting Mosquitos

San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District reminds residents to please report biting mosquitoes. These reports help track where mosquito control is needed, as well as help the district quickly detect invasive mosquitoes.

Report by calling 650-344-8592 or online by filling out a Service Request form.

Special Events in August and September

Women's Equality Day Event

Raising Voices for Community Prosperity

Tuesday, August 26 at 6 pm

Regional Operations Center (ROC), Redwood City

Join us for “Her Voice. Her Power. Our Future. Raising Voices for Community Prosperity” — a Women’s Equality Day event celebrating women's right to vote and amplifying the voices of women who are shaping equitable and thriving communities. Just as we used our voices to gain the vote, so too must we use our voices to close the pay and wealth gap and guarantee more accessible and affordable childcare.

Facilitated by Commissioner LaSaundra Gutter, this dynamic 1.5 hour program features San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Noelia Corzo, Lisa Gauthier, and Jackie Speier engaging in personal stories and shared wisdom about economic equity, access, and opportunity for women.

The event includes networking, resource tables and light appetizers and beverages. Participants will be offered tangible ways to get involved in building a future where all women can thrive.

Click here for more information about the event, to learn about Women's Equality Day and to Register on Eventbrite.

Due to high demand, the speaking portion of the event will be livestreamed and recorded in order to provide accessibility to the entire community. The link will be posted here when it is ready.

Graphic of fork and a knife with a rural image behind it

Taste of Woodside Rotary Fundraiser

Sunday, September 7 from 4:30 to 8 pm

Vintners pour their finest wine as local restaurants perfectly pair appetizers.

Live jazz will fill the air as you seek out silent auction items in a backdrop of tall oak trees and natural gardens.

Later, enjoy a sit-down dinner and a live auction featuring exclusive items and unique experiences.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets!

California Coastal Clean Up Day Graphic 2025

California Coastal Cleanup 2025

Main Event Saturday, September 20 from 9 am to Noon

Coastal Cleanup 2025 in San Mateo County is coming up and the environment needs your help to pick up litter pollution!

The Cleanup will happen all month-long in September or you can join a group cleanup site at the main event on Saturday, September 20, 9 am to Noon.

Ways to Participate:

Join a group cleanup on September 20th at one of over 30 sites to choose from. Find a site near you and register with a site captain. Complete a digital waiver and save the confirmation email to show your site captain.
Can't make it on the 20th? Lead a self-led neighborhood cleanup throughout the month of September. Learn more at smchealth.org/cleanup. Help us promote the event by sharing our social media posts from @smchealth or from our toolkit.
Download the Clean Swell App in the Apple Store or Google Play Store before the event so you are all set to record litter you collect.

What's a trashure hunt?
Small treasure chests will be hidden at select cleanup locations. If you find the treasure chest, bring it to your site captain and claim your prize (prizes vary by location)!

Find a Cleanup site and register here!

Kings Mountain Art Fair
Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1

Kings Mountain Community Center & Fire Brigade, 13889 Skyline Blvd

Join 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!

Woodside Library Events

Visit the Library's Calendar page for more information and to register for individual events.

Join the Library on August 27th from 3 to 5 pm

for a special show and End of Summer Celebration!

Celebrate the end of summer at the library! Come turn in your last-minute Summer Adventure Logs, finish your last summer scavenger for prizes, decorate key chains, customize your own tote bag, and sticker a terracotta pot while supplies last!

Click here to find out more about the Wildmind: Bay Area Wild and End of Summer Celebration!

Library Flyer - August Calendar of Activites

Exciting Programs at the Library!

End of Summer Concert with Andy Z - Thursday, August 28, 3 to 3:45 pm at Portola Valley Library
The Unseen Peninsula: A Talk With Photographer Robert Buelteman - Saturday, September 13, 10 to 11:30 am

Community Recreation Opportunities

Qi Gong Classes

Sessions on Thursdays starting August 26

9 to 10 am at Independence Hall

$10 per class

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.

Photo of Danny Goldberg with Gongs and Singing Bowls

Sound Immersion Experience

with Danny Goldberg

Sessions on Friday September 26, October 24 and November 21
7 to 8 pm at Independence Hall

$45 per session, pre-registration

The 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.

Please register through ACTIVE.
For more details about Danny, visit Danny's website.

Flyer - Myofascial and Yin Yoga Workshop

Myofascial and Yin Yoga Specialty Workshop

Saturday, September 27

9 to 11:30 am at Independence Hall

$55 pre-registration; $65 at the door if space is available

Join Kimberly Paul as she leads a Myofascial and Yin Yoga Workshop.

Learn myofascial techniques using yoga therapy balls to identify “body blind spots” that are overused, underused and misused and potential catalysts for pain and injury.
Complemented with yin yoga poses that target soft tissue and joints. This work is necessary and until recently, rather uncharted. Learn more about how to use these techniques and be the architect of your own health and wellness.

Yoga mat and yoga therapy balls are required (and not provided by the instructor). You can purchase a set of yoga therapy balls at Tune Up Fitness. Yoga blocks and blankets are helpful. This is for everybody! No prior yoga experience necessary.

Please register for one or more classes through ACTIVE.
For more details about Kimberly, visit Kimberly's website.

Save the Date!

Image of Senior Couple with Thought Bubbles of Housing Options

Senior Seminar – Lifestyle Options

Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10 am to Noon

9:30 am - Coffee and Pastries

Jennings Pavilion, Holbrook Palmer Park, Atherton

Housing choices (stay or move) are a life-changing decision for Seniors. What do we need now? What if my spouse needs special care?

Learn about Stay at Home improvement options, Senior Living Communities with Assisted Living and Memory care options, and Facilities specific to Memory Care.

Check the Town website for more information!

The “Lifestyle Options” Seminar is supported by the Towns of Atherton, Woodside and Portola Valley.

NAMIWalks San Mateo County Event Graphic

Walking For Mental Health - NAMIWalks of San Mateo County

Saturday, October 4

Seal Point Park, San Mateo

Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo County as we walk together in support of mental health and to raise funds for our free programs! Get ready to be inspired and enjoy the fun as NAMIWalks returns to San Mateo County on Saturday, October 4 at Seal Point Park, San Mateo. This free, annual event features a 1k or 5k walk along the beautiful Bay, music, food, a community resource fair, wellness programming, a kids’ zone and, for the first time ever, a pet contest!

Whether you’re an advocate, passionate about mental health, and simply looking to connect with a supportive community, everyone is welcome! We invite you to create a team, join a team or come as an individual participant, regardless, there is a place for you.

To get involved, visit www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo to come walk with us!

100% of funds raised go directly back into the free mental health advocacy, support and education that NAMI SMC provides to families, individuals, workplaces, and schools across the community.

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 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.