January 2026

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 Jason Ledbetter

Town Manager's Note

As we enter 2026, the Town is focusing on shoring up key infrastructure, both internally with Town operations and externally with public works projects as noted in the recent Town Council actions. Internally, we have had several strategic staffing changes that I go into more detail below. We are also completing important maintenance on our IT systems and our buildings, and we are getting ready to fully deploy the new solar panels on Friday, January 30. Note that Town Hall will be closed that day as there will be no power to complete the deployment.

Strategic Succession for the Town of Woodside Team

Like our counterparts in other areas of the County, we are faced with adapting to the retirements in the American workplace and the changing environment of local government. The Town is actively going through a transition and I’m utilizing this opportunity to incorporate succession planning that will ultimately improve service for the residents of Woodside. Creating opportunities for our current staff, adding external talent when appropriate, and preparing our current staff for future leadership roles are all priorities for me as the Town Manager. It is with great pleasure I announce the following promotions and additions to staff for the Town.

Melissa Cardinale Promoted to Assistant Town Manager

Join me in congratulating Melissa Cardinale on her promotion to Assistant Town Manager. Most of the residents of Woodside know Melissa for her customer service and knowledge of Town operations. For staff, Melissa is the engine that moves staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, agendas, and general support to all departments and volunteer committees. Her willingness to solve problems and her experience with government procedure make her a unique leader who captures the culture of forward-facing customer service while supporting complicated interdepartmental projects. The Town wins with Melissa!

Welcome New Town Engineer & Public Works Director Louis Sun

The Town of Woodside would like to introduce Louis Sun as the new Town Engineer and Public Works Director. Louis joined us most recently from Pacifica. Louis brings over two decades of local government engineering experience on the peninsula. A graduate of THE Ohio State University, Louis also holds an Engineering Management Master’s from Santa Clara University. Louis combines technical expertise with a focus on collaboration and employee morale. This collaborative approach will allow increased capacity to meeting our Capital Improvement Project deliverables. Welcome Louis Sun!

Gillian Naegele Promoted to Associate Planner

Join me in congratulating Gillian Naegele on her promotion to an Associate Planner from the Assistant Planner role. Joining the Woodside Planning Department in 2023, Gillian brings a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies and a Master’s from San Jose State in Urban and Regional Planning. Gillian’s work with the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy and her work as an Assistant Planner with the Town of Woodside have proven her more than ready for this promotional opportunity. Congratulations Gillian!

Brandon Cruz Miyake Promoted to Management Analyst

Brandon began his career with the Town of Woodside as an intern. After accepting a fulltime role as an Administrative Assistant for the Town Clerk it became clear to management that Brandon has an extremely high ceiling. His desire to take on extra projects and learn all aspects of our Finance Department make him an ideal addition to the Finance Department as a Management Analyst. Well done, Brandon!

I'm looking forward to the next few months as I finish out my first year with the Town and continue to learn the rhythms of Woodside and what each season brings.

~ Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager

Town Updates and Alerts

Flyer - Town Hall Closed on Friday January 30

Sanitary Sewer Spill Reporting:
If you smell it or see it, report it to your sewer district!

Please check the Town's Sewer Areas and Districts map (PDF) to find your district.

If your property is within the Town Center Sewer District, call 650-851-6790 during business hours. After business hours call the Town's maintenance company West Bay Sanitary District at 650-321-0384.

If your property is within the Fair Oaks Sewer District, call 650-363-4100 at any time during the day. During non-business hours calls will be connected to County Dispatch and they will get in touch with the County's on-call staff.

Visit the Town’s page on Sewer Services for additional information.

Planning Commission Openings in District 1 and 3
Applications Due by Wednesday, February 4

Check the District Map to see if you live in District 1 or 3 and submit your application by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Map of Expected Construction on High Road

Road Closures on High Road and Todo El Mundo

Due to Cal Water Water Main Installation

Work Begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026

California Water Service (Cal Water) is scheduled to replace approximately 1,300 linear feet of the existing water main on High Road, Todo El Mundo and in existing easements. Cal Water has indicated that these replacements will help ensure reliable water service and fire protection for decades to come.

The work is expected to begin on Tuesday, January 20 and is anticipated to be completed by July 2026, with the work on High Road scheduled to be completed by May 2026.

Cal Water anticipates periodic road closures to High Road at Woodside Road due to the location of the existing water main, the narrow road, and for safety reasons. The road closures will occur from 9 am to 4 pm and Cal Water will use electronic message boards to notify the exact date of the road closures. Residents will be detoured to use Alameda De Las Pulgas to Fernside Street to Woodside Drive.

Note that this is not a Town project and all inquiries should be directed to Cal Water 650-854-5454.

* Please choose alternate routes, or plan for traffic delays. *

The Town is on Social Media - Follow Us!

We are pleased to announce that the Town is now on social media! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings at the Town!

Map showing location of sandbags near Town Hall

Sandbags Available 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.

Call for Volunteers with a megaphone (PNG)

The Town of Woodside is looking for volunteers for its Citizen Advisory Committees

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

Arts and Culture Committee
Circulation 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 by emailing Melissa Cardinale or picking up a hard copy at Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road.

The deadline for applications is Friday, January 30, 2026, by 5 pm.

Updates from Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

Woodside Fire's Newsletter has a New Look!

Click here to view the Fire District's January newsletter including:

Letter from Fire Marshal Kim Giuliacci Looking Back on 2025 and What's New in 2026
Winter Safety Tips and Fire Prevention
New Online Scheduling for Inspections

Woodside Fire Launches Online Scheduling for Inspections

Woodside Fire is excited to introduce a new, convenient way to schedule your fire safety inspections online!

Easily book your Home Assessments to help us complete zones 1–4 and move forward to zones 9–12, ensuring every parcel in our fire district is assessed.
Schedule your AB38 Fire Safety Real Estate Disclosure inspections—just pay your fees first, then book your appointment.
Homeowners participating in the Town of Woodside Matching Fund Program or the Los Trancos County Maintenance District Incentive Program can also schedule their required Defensible Space inspections online.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our community and pave the way toward a safer, fire-adapted future!

Click HERE to find out more and to schedule an inspection.

Regional News and Opportunities

County Prioritizes Human Trafficking Awareness Ahead of 2026 Events

January is designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, inform the community and encourage action to combat this crime.

With major events including the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region, the County of San Mateo reminds the community that resources are available, and collaboration is key to preventing and eradicating human trafficking.

Save the above numbers for the National 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline to your Contacts and click here to learn more about the County’s Human Trafficking Prevention and Enforcement Initiative.

Sign up for Super Bowl Event Alerts

With the February 8 Super Bowl bringing big crowds and activity across the region, make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts—no matter which county you’re in.

Text SUPERBOWL to 672-83
Or visit www.smcalert.info to sign up for alerts.

Weather, transit disruptions, emergencies, and event-related impacts can change quickly across county lines.

From Our Agency Partners

Reminders from GreenWaste

Save the Date! Town Clean Up Days for 2026

GreenWaste Recovery, the Town's Franchise Waste Hauler, hosts three Town Clean Up Days per year.

Save the Date for the 2026 Clean Ups:

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026

Visit the Town's Clean Up Days page for more and to get ready!

Plastic Bag with a Red X and Canvas Bag with a Green Checkmark

Say Goodbye to Plastic Carryout Bags

As of January 1, 2026, California’s Senate Bill 1053 prohibits all plastic carryout bags at checkout. Grocery stores, retail stores, convenience stores, food marts, and liquor stores will no longer be permitted to distribute any plastic bags at the point of sale, even the thicker “reusable” kind once allowed. In compliance with Senate Bill 1053, these retailers may only offer paper bags to customers, with a minimum charge of ten cents per bag.

As an alternative to disposable bags, consider bringing a reusable bag made from durable materials such as cotton, jute, or recycled fabrics. These bags are more suitable for long-term use and drastically reduce waste over time. If you receive a paper bag at checkout, remember to only dispose of it in your blue recycling cart if it is empty, clean, and dry!

By switching to reusable bags or ensuring that your paper bags are properly disposed and recycled, we can reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a sustainable future. Thank you for your efforts in contributing to a cleaner, greener world.

Special Events in January and February

Join the Woodside Arts & Culture Committee for the February First Friday Event - Poet Nancy Meyer Interviewed by Veronica Kornberg

February 6, 2026 at 7 pm; Doors open at 6:30 pm

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

Free Film Workshop for Students Grade 4 to 8

Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 3 pm

The Nueva School, San Mateo Campus

Students in grades 4 to 8 who live or attend school in San Mateo County are invited to learn tips on creating videos at a free student filmmaking workshop offered by students from Burlingame High School’s Environmental Club and Nueva School’s Social Impact Filmmaking Club on Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 3 pm at The Nueva School, San Mateo Campus, 131 E. 28th Ave. in San Mateo. Admission is free.

This event is for students who plan to enter an original environmental video in the 9th Annual CEC Student Film Fest. It will offer an expanded filmmaking experience for youths who want to develop filmmaking skills and make videos with social impact. Entries are due March 22. Winning entries will be screened and cash prizes up to $500 will be awarded to winners in different grade categories at the Film Fest on April 14.

Click here to see a video about the conference.

Visit Burlingame Film Fest for more information and to register for the workshop. Questions can be sent to info@cecburlingame.org.

Photo of Neighbors Gathering at a Coffee Shop in Austin Texas

How Connections to Place Can Improve Well-Being

Wednesday, February 4 from 7 to 8:30 pm

Burlingame Community Center

You’re invited to a special program on Wednesday, February 4, to learn how reorienting people’s daily lives around where they live can benefit them, their community, economy and planet.

The program features Matt Biggar, Ph.D., a strategy consultant, researcher, and former school district and school administrator in San Mateo County, discussing his new book, “Connected to Place: Regenerating Nature, Community, and Local Economies through Systems Change,” and local education leaders. Following his book talk, Matt will moderate a panel discussion on place-based education with Julie Hilborn, Director of Environmental Literacy and Sustainability at the San Mateo County Office of Education; Theresa Vallez-Kelly, Coordinator of Safe Routes to School at the San Mateo County Office of Education; and Natalie Dias, a youth climate activist who attends San Mateo High School. In addition, a city representative will explain the statewide “6 Neighbors” campaign, which emphasizes the benefits to personal well-being and community resilience of knowing your neighbors.

The program is co-hosted by the Citizens Environmental Council, San Mateo County Office of Education, Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County, Sustainable San Mateo County, and Burlingame’s Department of Parks & Recreation.

Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. Click HERE to Register.

Woodside Library Events

Visit the Library's Calendar page for more information and to register for individual events and click below to find out more about these upcoming events!

Sunday, February 1, 2:30 - 3:30 pm: Yarn Mane Horse Paper Craft
Thursday, February 5, 3:30 to 5 pm: Tò He Making Workshop with Chopsticks Alley Art
Saturday, February 7, 1 to 2:30 pm: Lunar New Year Mindfulness Art: It Only Takes One Stroke
Sunday, February 8, 1 to 2pm: DIY Red Envelope Lanterns
Tuesday, February 10, 10:30 to 11:30 am: Soul4Kidz Musical Show
Tuesday, February 24, 10:30 to 11 am: Are You Ready to Learn With Andre Thierry

DIY Red Envelope Lanterns

Sunday, February 8 at 1 pm

Registration is required and opens on January 25 at 3 pm.

Click HERE for more information and to Register.

Young Adult Novelist Convention

Saturday, February 28 from 11 am to 4:30 pm at Belmont Library

Click HERE for more information and to Register!

Community Recreation Opportunities

W-Ball is Back - Games start on March 14

Register by Sunday, February 22!

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 2026 season will run from March 14th through May 9th (6 games total; no games on Spring Break weekend: April 4th and 11th and no game on May 2nd 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 2026 Schedule.

Cost is $75 per player (includes a baseball hat & jersey). Please register through ACTIVE 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 22, 2026. Late sign-ups will be allowed on a space-available basis but are not guaranteed a personalized team uniform. If you have any questions, please email Zack Simkover.

Visit the Town website for more info and registration form.

Photo of Danny Goldberg with Gongs and Singing Bowls

Sound Immersion Experience

with Danny Goldberg

Session on Fridays

February 20, and March 20
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.

Person with hands up doing Qi Gong on the beach at 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.

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