October 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

Last month, I focused my Town Manager’s note on the two incidents that happened over Labor Day weekend. The Town has been working with relevant agencies and staff to better understand these incidents and improve future outcomes. To give residents an opportunity to ask questions directly of the involved agencies, the Town will host a Town Hall Meeting at Independence Hall (2955 Woodside Road) on Wednesday, October 29. At 5:30 pm we will discuss the Four Corners Intersection at Highway 84 and Highway 35, and at 6:30 pm we will hold a Q&A with Supervisor Mueller on the SMC Alert system. I’ve included more information below and hope to see residents in person or on Zoom at the Town Hall Meeting.

Highway 84 / Highway 35 Intersection - Update

On the evening of Friday August 29, 2025, a cyclist perished in a collision at the intersection of La Honda Road and Skyline Boulevard. The California Department of Transportation has initiated an alteration and new design for this intersection. At the Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, October 29 at 5:30 pm the California Department of Transportation will present possible alterations to the intersection and take questions from the public. There will also be an opportunity for in-person review of design posters.

I-280 / Edgewood Fire - Update

At approximately 4:56 pm on August 30, 2025, a car caught fire on I-280 and spread to the vegetation at I-280 and Farm Hill Boulevard. Multiple agencies were dispatched, and the progress of the fire was stopped within a few hours. Following this incident several members of the public expressed frustration with the inconsistency of the SMC Alert system and how some residents enrolled in the service received an alert while others did not. The Town worked with District 3 County Supervisor Ray Mueller and staff to host a debriefing at the Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday October 29. At 6:30 pm, there will be a Q&A with Supervisor Mueller and staff from the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management, the Woodside Fire Protection District, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office where the public can ask questions concerning the SMC Alert system.

I hope you had a chance to attend the 21st annual Day of the Horse event that was celebrated with a trail ride through the Town of Woodside on Saturday, October 11. On Sunday October 12 the Family-Fun Horse Fair took place at Woodside Town Hall and Town staff were present to discuss the Town Center Area Plan update and take questions on general Town business.

~ Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager

Town Updates and Alerts

Photo of Town Manager Ledbetter Mayor Dombkowski and Planning Director Schaan

Day of the Horse

Town Manager Jason Ledbetter, Mayor Brian Dombkowski and Planning Director Sage Schaan, attended the 2025 Woodside Day of the Horse event on Sunday, October 12 to discuss the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) update and take questions on general Town business.

Traffic Advisory:

Lane Closure on SR-84 for Tree Removal October 13-24

Drivers should expect delays of approximately 10 to 20 minutes in the vicinity of Williams Ranch Road and SR-84. These trees have significant trunk decay and are leaning into the roadway.

Traffic control will be in effect from 8 am to 4 pm every weekday between Monday, October 13 and Friday, October 24.

All work is weather dependent. Please drive with caution. Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain our state’s highways, bridges, and tunnels.

For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Updates from Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

Click here to view the Fire District's October newsletter including the October Home Hardening Spotlight on decks, patios and porches.

Photo of Woodside Fire Staff, Town Council and Town Manager

Towns Proclamations - Fire Prevention Month

The Town of Woodside and the Town of Portola Valley have proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month, supporting the NFPA’s 2025 theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The proclamation highlights the importance of safely using and recycling rechargeable batteries, testing smoke alarms monthly, and maintaining home escape plans. Together with the Woodside Fire Protection District, the Towns are committed to keeping our community informed and fire-safe year-round.

Read the Town of Woodside's Proclamation here.

Fire Prevention Week

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps

Buy only listed products: When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely: Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. In Woodside, you can also place your used AA, AAA, 9-volt, and small lithium-ion batteries in a sealed and clear bag on top of your blue recycling cart on your collection day.

San Mateo County’s Emergency Management Also

Urging Residents to Practice Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

During Fire Prevention Week

Fires are surging — up 93 percent since 2022. Lithium-ion fires can burn at 5,000°F, can’t be extinguished with water, and generate their own oxygen, making them extremely dangerous.

What you can do:

Charge only with manufacturer-approved chargers on hard surfaces (never beds or couches).
Store e-bikes/scooters away from exits.
Watch for warning signs: swelling (growing or appearing warped), odors, excessive heat.

Learn more from this video by the National Fire Presentation Association.

Woodside Fire Protection District
Trainings and Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunity – Help with CERT Training Moulage

WFPD is still looking for volunteers to help with moulage (injury simulation makeup) for upcoming CERT exercises. No experience is necessary!

They will provide supplies and teach you basic techniques. This is a fun and creative way to support our training!

If you’re interested, please email Selena Brown.

Regional News and Opportunities

Image with California Flag Statewide Special Election

Ways to Vote in the Statewide Special Election on November 4, 2025

If you were not registered to vote by October 20, you will have to vote in-person at a vote center using Conditional Voter Registration.
Check your voter registration status or register to vote online at https://registertovote.ca.gov.
A list of all the open vote centers and ballot drop boxes is available on the County's Elections website.
There is a ballot box in front of Independence Hall at 2955 Woodside Road.

From Our Agency Partners

County Seeks Resident Input on Emergency Preparedness

County residents are invited to take a short survey, available in English, Spanish and Chinese, to share their preparedness, evacuation needs & communication preferences in the event of an emergency.

Responses will help San Mateo County Emergency Management shape future emergency plans.

The survey closes at the end of November. All responses are anonymous and secure.

Click here to take the survey!

Image - Heat Pump HVAC Unit next to a window

San Mateo County Sustainability Department Encourages Residents

to Upgrade their Heating Systems and Save Money

Rewiring America announced the launch of their Heat Pump Access Program for San Mateo County. The program offers homeowners a significant 20 percent discount on ducted and ductless heat pumps.
Homeowners who sign up before November 14 can stack that discount with the 25C federal tax credit for additional savings.
While the 20 percent discount will remain through the new year, the Federal Tax Credits expire on December 31, 2025, so installations must be completed by that date to receive the credit.

Photo of Vet Tech holding three adorable kittens

Low-Cost Pet Vaccination & Microchip Clinics

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA holds low-cost vaccination & microchip clinics the first and third Saturday of each month from 9 to 10:50 am and the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:50 pm at 12 Airport Boulevard in San Mateo. Vaccine services are by appointment only. Vaccinations help protect your pet against harmful diseases. Vaccinations for rabies, FVRCP, and DHPP are available for $15 per vaccine. These services are for cats and dogs of all ages. Visit our vaccination clinic page to schedule an appointment and for more information.

Microchips are a great help in reuniting people with lost pets. Microchips are available for $30 at our vaccine and microchip clinic. You can also bring your animal to our Coyote Point shelter at 12 Airport Blvd in San Mateo anytime during our open hours to be microchipped for a fee of $30. Our Coyote Point shelter is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends. Dog and cat licenses are also available for purchase at our clinics.

Image - Top Ten Items fouind at Coastal Cleanup Day

Special Events in October and November

Family Nature Day at Huddart Park

Saturday, October 25 from 9 am to 12:30 pm

Join Friends of Huddart & Wunderlich Parks for a family-friendly morning filled with hikes for all ages, hands-on learning experiences and arts activities. Register now to reserve a free ticket for you and your friends and family!

Activities will include:

Ongoing kid-friendly walks and nature scavenger hunts
Story time readings
An animal artifacts station with skulls and pelts
Dissecting owl pellets
Animal headband art
Coloring sheets
Live animal reptile ambassadors and more!

Registration is required and will be organized by one-hour time slots, with a recommended visit time of 1.5 hours for each family attending.

Click her for more info and to register!

Get Ready for the Final Town Clean Up Day of 2025!

Saturday, November 1, from 8 to 11 am

Please review the sample postcard and load your vehicle accordingly. This event is free for Town of Woodside residents - please bring the original postcard received in the mail as proof of residency. GreenWaste is asking that residents containerize or bundle their yard trimmings.*

Hazardous materials are not accepted.
Please note that hazardous materials are not accepted at the Town Clean Up Day. Please call the County of San Mateo Household Hazardous Waste Program at 650-363-4718 or visit the County's website to schedule a drop-off appointment.

What do to do with old medications?
Medications are not accepted at the Town Clean Up Day, but you can visit med-project.org for a list of over 50 convenient kiosk drop-off locations, or to request a mail-back package if you are a disabled or homebound resident.

*Containerizing or Bundling = branches bundled together with rope or twine and loose leaves and clippings containerized in bags or carts. Bundled or containerized yard trimmings makes loading the material into trucks safer for GreenWaste’s staff and helps the Clean Up run smoothly and efficiently.

For general questions, please contact GreenWaste at 650-568-9900.

Rodents, Mosquitoes and More - Keep Your Home Pest Free
Sunday, November 2 at 2 pm - Doors open at 1:45 pm
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road

Join the Town's Environment & Open Space Committee for an informative (and practical!) talk with the San Mateo County Vector Control experts on how to manage and prevent rodents and other pests in/around your home, and help control them in our community.

You’ll learn simple tips to protect your home, hear about free services available to residents, and have a chance to ask questions.

Rick Morris (In The Wild with Rick Morris) a birder and local photographer, will also be on hand to share his beautiful photos and views on owls as a natural rodent control option.

Let’s work together to keep Woodside healthy and pest-free!

RSVP on Eventbrite by October 24 to save your seat!

Admission is free; wine and cheese will be served.

Flyer - SSMC Film Screening - Eating Our Way to Extinction

Free Film Screening: "Eating our Way to Extinction"

Thursday, November 6 from 5:30 - 6:45 pm in Redwood City

Join Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) to watch and discuss the condensed version of this entertaining and surprising documentary. Featuring shocking undercover footage and first-hand accounts from indigenous people, this documentary will permanently change your perception of food and its connection to the future of our planet. The film will be followed by a panel discussion to learn about plant-based options and advocacy.

Register for free here.

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

2025 Peninsula and South Bay Green@Home Tour

November 8 from 11 am to 4 pm

Do you want to save money on home energy costs and make your home more sustainable? This is the event for you!

On November 8, tour hosts living in the Peninsula and South Bay will be showcasing their sustainable homes for community members to learn more about green home upgrades. Replacing gas appliances with electric ones, incorporating solar panels, improving insulation, using sustainable building materials or adding water-saving features—these are just a few of the possible upgrades you can learn about from your neighbors! Get inspired to make similar changes and move toward a healthier, more energy-efficient future.

RSVP for free here.

Woodside Library Events

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

Library Flyer - October Calendar of Activites

Library Flyer - Diwali Special Henna Art

Diwali Special Henna Art on October 29 at 3 pm
First come, first served at this event!

Click here for more information.

Community Recreation Opportunities

Photo of Danny Goldberg with Gongs and Singing Bowls

Sound Immersion Experience

with Danny Goldberg

Sessions on Friday Oct 24 and Nov 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.

Photo of man doing Qi Gong at beach during sunset

Qi Gong Classes

Sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays Mornings

Check ACTIVE for Dates and Times

$10 per class

Qi Gong is an ancient Taoist practice that develops skills for adding years to your life and life to your years.

The Qi Gong practice involves:

Slow flowing movements that build strength and flexibility.
Breathwork that expands lung capacity and increases energy.
Energy work that improves your personal energy and connects you to the energy all around.
Learning basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine, giving us the tools to be our own best healers.
Enjoying the pleasure of practicing together as we learn to reduce stress and increase energy.

Qi Gong is suitable for all ages and abilities. The goal is to start where you are and avoid pushing into pain.

Each class stands on its own and there is lots of variety. Come join the fun! (Mat optional)

Please register for one or more classes through ACTIVE. Students can also drop-in to class each week and pay for the class at Town Hall before or after the class session.

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.