This week's update:
- Special Town Council Meeting Summary
- Woodside Fire Protection District Message
- Draft Evacuation Study Available for Review
- Filing for Nomination to the Town Council is Open until August 17th
- Construction Costs for a Wildfire-Resistant Home: California Edition
- Important: Changes to Public Safety Power Shutoff Notification Hours
- West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline
- August 6 - This Weekend - Neighborhood Clean Up
- August 25 -Portola Valley Summer Concert Series - The Joint Chiefs Band
- September 17 - Town Picnic & Zots to Tots
Special Town Council Meeting Summary
A summary of the most recent meeting held on August 1, 2022, is now available. The Town Council authorized the Mayor to sign a statement of unconditional commitment in response to a cease and desist notice regarding communications between members of a Brown Act body during the meeting.
Woodside Fire Protection District Message
The Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD) sent a letter to the Trust for Public Land to request technical assistance to support and finance long-term wildfire mitigation measures for structures, properties, and neighborhoods. You can read the full letter here.
Draft Evacuation Study Available for Review
In 2021, the Town contracted with Fehr & Peers to conduct an evacuation study. A draft of the Town’s Evacuation Study is now available for review. The Town Council will review the study at their meeting on August 10, 2022. On August 4th, the Emergency Preparedness Committee recommended the Town Council adopt the Evacuation Study. If you have any comments on the evacuation study prior to the Town Council meeting that you would like the Council to review, please submit your comments no later than 1:00 PM on August 10, 2022.
Learn more about the study and how to comment here.
Filing for Nomination to the Town Council is Open until August 17th
On November 8, 2022, Portola Valley voters will elect three members to the Town Council for a four-year term. The nomination period starts on Monday, July 18, 2022. Since an incumbent is choosing not to file nomination papers, the deadline to file will be extended an additional five days to August 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Issuance and Receipt of Nomination Papers will be conducted by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please set up an appointment with the Town Clerk for both issuance and submittal of nomination papers. Issuance of nomination papers is being conducted virtually via Zoom meetings. To schedule an appointment to pull or file nomination papers, please email Melissa Thurman, Town Clerk at mthurman@portolavalley.net.
ELIGIBILITY TO RUN FOR TOWN COUNCIL
Any member of the public who meets the requirements below may run for office in the Town of Portola Valley.
- Be at least eighteen years of age
- Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California
- Be a registered voter of the Town of Portola Valley
Construction Costs for a Wildfire-Resistant Home: California Edition
Headwaters Economics released a report comparing building materials and related components for three different versions of a wildfire-resistant home. Read the summary and whole report here for Construction Costs for a Wildfire-Resistant Home: California Edition
Important: Changes to Public Safety Power Shutoff Notification Hours
PG&E announced changes to their Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) notifications process. To keep communities informed in real-time, PSPS notifications may now be sent overnight.
In years past, PG&E refrained from sending PSPS notifications between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. as a courtesy to customers and agency partners. However, in response to a requirement from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), they are updating the notifications policy related to courtesy hours. Moving forward, some PSPS notifications will now be sent to customers in real-time, regardless of the time of day. This includes “Warning,” “Power Off,” “All Clear” and “Restoral” notifications.
West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline is an important part of West Nile virus surveillance. Residents who find a dead bird in good condition should call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or file a report online. Although reports are only taken live during April to October, the District receives reports of dead birds year-round from CDPH and will collect and test suitable birds in any season.
Additional information can be found at: CDPH HOTLINE AND WEST NILE INFORMATION
Upcoming Events
August 6 - This Weekend - Neighborhood Clean-Up
The next Neighborhood Clean-up Day will be Saturday, August 6, from 8 to 11 am. A postcard was sent to each household with more information on what is accepted at the event. Please bring the card with you to get entry into the event.
August 25 Portola Valley Summer Concert Series - The Joint Chiefs Band
Portola Valley Summer Concert Series 2022 - 3 Fabulous, Free, Outdoor Concerts in Portola Valley!
All concerts will be held on the Performance Lawn by the Library. Food Trucks will be at the Farmers Market. Please also feel free to bring blankets and lawn chairs and a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and beverages.
August 25, 2022, 5:30 PM- 8 PM The Joint Chiefs Band brings together a danceable combination of funk, acid jazz, and classic R&B with their own signature groove.
September 15, 2022, 5:30 PM- 8 PM - Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band is a 5-piece band crossing genres ranging from soul, funk, jazz, Americana, and beyond.
September 17, 2022 - Town Picnic & Zotts to Tots
Save the date for the Town Picnic and the Zotts to Tots fun run on Saturday, September 17th at the Portola Valley Town Center. Join the Family Fun Run and Bike Race. It ends at the picnic where you can rest up, get a bite to eat, and enjoy all the activities. Kid's activities could include face-painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more. Bring the whole family for a day of fun at the Portola Valley Town Center!
Credits:
Created with images by Kari Chinn - " "Historic Schoolhouse", "Redwood Grove", "Town Center", "Portola Road"csfotoimages - "Florida hurricane Evacuation Route sign" • Erin - "Wildfire Urban Interface with Burn Going to Edge of Neighborhood"