Portola Valley Update July 6, 2023

This week's update:

• Summer Concert Series Starts Up Again
• Sustainability Tip - EVs: Why Go Electric, and Why I Did
• Save the Date for the Annual Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots Race - Sept 23
• Help Keep the Town Trails Easements Open and Safe
• Rattlesnake Season - Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Canine Companions
• Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - Join the Discussion on the 2023 WFPD Ordinances
• Conservation Committee - Ground Nesting Birds
• Town Hall Doors Closed on Fridays
• San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day
• Upcoming Events

Summer Concert Series Starts Up Again

Come join us for an evening of music with Ideateam on the Performance Lawn by the Library on Thursday, July 13th. Food Trucks will be at the Farmer's Market. Please also feel free to bring blankets and lawn chairs and a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and beverages.

Ideateam is a Sacramento-based musical collective that collaborates on original compositions, along with an array of both vintage and modern cover arrangements based on experimental funk, soul, and r&b sounds.

Sustainability Tip - EVs: Why Go Electric, and Why I Did.

One of the most visible efforts to combat climate change is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). They’re a big part of our local tech industry, not to mention a big part of our own neighborhoods here in Portola Valley. We’re told that the adoption of EVs is an essential component of decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but others cite facts to the contrary, leaving many of us who are interested in fighting climate change not knowing which direction to take. In writing this, I hope to summarize the best information on EVs while also discussing myths, advantages and their potential drawbacks.

Read the whole tip from Sustainability Committee member, Jay Saleh, here

Save the Date for the Annual Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots Race - Sept 23

This exciting family event will bring family and friends together for a day of outdoor fun. Lace-up your running shoes or hop on your bike for the exciting race, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque route. Afterward, indulge in a delicious bite to eat and immerse yourself in the plethora of activities at the picnic. From games and entertainment to face painting and pony rides, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for a day filled with family fun and memorable moments!

Help Keep the Town Trails Easements Open and Safe

Residents and contractors are reminded to refrain from parking vehicles on designated Town trails. The paths along Town roads are used for walking and riding only.

Homeowners need to apply for an encroachment permit when conducting any work on their portion of the driveway in the Towns right of way , especially if there is a trail present. This requirement ensures that the trail is maintained appropriately, allowing for safe passage of equestrians and hikers. The permit application can be found here on the Town website.

Rattlesnake Season - Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Canine Companions

As the weather warms we are seeing more snakes at Town Center and in our Open Spaces It's essential to be aware of potential encounters with rattlesnakes. Here are a few valuable tips on rattlesnake safety for both humans and dogs.

• Stay on designated paths: Stick to well-marked trails to minimize the risk of encountering rattlesnakes. Avoid venturing into tall grasses, rocky areas, or bushes where these serpents may be lurking.
• Be alert and observant: Keep a watchful eye on your surroundings, especially when hiking or walking with your dog. Look out for the telltale signs of rattlesnakes, such as their distinctive rattle sound, coiled posture, or triangular-shaped heads.
• Leash your dog: When exploring snake-prone areas, keep your furry friend on a leash. This prevents them from wandering off and potentially stumbling upon a snake, reducing the risk of a dangerous encounter.
• Avoid tempting hiding spots: Be cautious near piles of rocks, logs, or brush, as these areas often serve as shelter for rattlesnakes. Teach your dog to avoid investigating such hiding spots as well.
• Know basic first aid: Familiarize yourself with rattlesnake bite symptoms and learn basic first aid techniques. In case of a snakebite, keep calm, immobilize the affected limb, and seek immediate medical attention for both you and your pet.

The Town also hosts many other non-venomous snakes. While they are not venomous these snakes do still bite so please be careful when you encounter them and leave them space.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to rattlesnake safety. Stay vigilant, respect their natural habitat, and enjoy the great outdoors responsibly.

Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - Join the Discussion on the 2023 WFPD Ordinances

Woodside Fire has presented draft Ordinance 13-2023, which is a significant update to the Fire Code. Along with the impact of two other WFPD ordinances planned for 2023, all existing and new homes will be affected.

To help educate residents and provide an avenue for public comment, please join the Wildfire Preparedness Committee (WPC) at its July and August meetings while it explores and reviews these ordinances. Please subscribe to PV eNotices to make sure you don’t miss the WPC discussions. The WPC meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4:00 PM.

Overviews of the ordinances are in the WPC agenda packets for June and July (pending), or watch the May and June meeting recordings on the town youtube channel.

Conservation Committee- Tip of the Month

Protect our ground-nesting birds while increasing fire safety

California Quail (Callipepla californica) and other ground nesting birds are nesting now and use underbrush and dense vegetation to do this. This is exactly what we are supposed to be clearing to increase fire safety.

You can accommodate the Quail and Oregon juncos and other ground nesting birds while reducing vegetation on your land if you pay attention.

The quail will burst out of the underbrush to let you know If you are getting near an area where they are nesting. Use that area as one of your “islands” of vegetation that we have heard so much about. Leave these active areas alone, they will become key locations for wildlife to get refuge. But clear around and between these islands (being careful to observe for any activity in the area).

When these vegetated islands are located away from the house they also accomplish the task of keeping our native predators away from the house.

Tell your gardener to do the same and we can help keep this iconic bird common.

Additional information on quail from our friends at Edgewood: https://friendsofedgewood.org/california-quail

And the Conservation Committee’s guide to Understory Habitat and Defensible Space: https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/15183/637728279341370000

Town Hall Lobby Closed on Fridays

The Town Council approved physically closing Town Hall’s doors every Friday until September 15th, 2023. Staff will still be working but the lobby will be closed to visitors. The Planning & Building Department has virtual appointments for services that include meetings with a planner, building/planning permit submittals, and more. The PV Connect system is available for submitting service requests. You can still reach staff by email and phone.

San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day

19th Annual San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free annual event at the San Mateo County Event Center will include CPR and first aid classes, interactive preparedness demonstrations, giveaways, free hot dogs and free parking. Learn more at www.smcdisasterprep.org