March 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 https://www.woodsideca.gov/subscribe.

Photo of Woodside Town Manager Kevin Bryant

Town Manager's Note

Back in October, I announced that I will be leaving the Town in May. At the time, May still seemed a long way off. Now, it is just around the corner. This past Saturday, I attended the Grand Re-Opening of Fire Station 7. While there I had the pleasure of seeing some people that I hadn’t seen in a while, including three previous fire chiefs. Every conversation was a strong reminder that my job satisfaction has been heavily dependent on the relationships that I’ve made along the way. It was also a strong reminder that so many people have given so much for the preservation and betterment of Woodside. At the bottom of this newsletter is a Save the Date invitation for May 9th, which will be a community celebration as my tenure draws to a close. I look forward to having the opportunity to see everyone that I’ve worked with and interacted with over the last 13 plus years, and to thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing community.

~Kevin Bryant, Town Manager

Town Council Meetings

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

Recent Actions by the Town Council:

Approved an Ordinance expanding provisions for the conversion of barns to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and modifications to ADU height requirements

On the Horizon:

Presentation from the Woodside Fire Protection District regarding the adoption of a new Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Woodside (Apr 8)
Update of Fees and Charges (Apr 8)

Town Updates

Woodside's Electric Garden Voucher Program is Open and Vouchers are Going Fast!

Learn about the Electric Garden Voucher Program and

Join us for an Electric-Gardening Equipment Demo

Sunday, March 30 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm

The Electric Garden Voucher Program is in full swing. Did you know that you can use the voucher to purchase any electric garden equipment and/or additional batteries for your existing equipment?! Find our more at the Equipment Demo on Sunday, March 30 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in front of Independence Hall.

Funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must provide proof of eligibility, such as proof of residency, business license, or parcel size, depending on the category.

Woodside residents can receive up to $250 to purchase electric gardening tools, covering up to 100% of the purchase price, but not exceeding $250 per address per year.
Non-gardening businesses within Woodside can receive up to $250 for the purchase of an electric leaf blower for their brick-and-mortar location.
Professional gardeners, landscapers, and property owners with parcels of 5 acres or more can qualify for up to $1,000 for electric garden equipment, including extra batteries or power management systems.

Share your Postcard with Gardeners and Landscapers!

Be sure to share the program with your gardeners and landscapers so they can take advantage of the $1,000 voucher! Professional gardeners and landscapers can use the voucher to purchase new electric gardening equipment, extra batteries and/or convert their gas-powered gear to lithium-ion battery power!

Click here to check eligibility and apply!

Funding for this program comes from the Town of Woodside through a grant provided by Peninsula Clean Energy.

New Features NOW Live on Town's Permitting System!

Flyer New Permit System Features Now Live

Did you Know that you can now apply for a Business License and some Permits online?

Click here to learn more about the new features!

From Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD)

CAL FIRE has Released Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps

WFPD to Adopt Fire Hazard Severity Zones by Ordinance

First Reading Tuesday, March 25 at 7 pm

In February 2025, CAL FIRE released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), including regions within the Woodside Fire Protection District. These maps, developed using advanced fire behavior models and current climate data, classify areas into three hazard levels: moderate, high, and very high.

Understanding Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ):

Purpose: FHSZ maps evaluate the likelihood and potential behavior of wildfires over a 30 to 50-year period, considering factors like fire history, vegetation, terrain, and typical fire weather.
Hazard vs. Risk: The maps assess "hazard," which refers to the physical conditions that could lead to wildfires, without accounting for mitigation measures such as home hardening or recent fuel reduction efforts.

Next Steps:
WFPD will be adopting the State's Fire Hazard Severity Zone by ordinance. The first reading will be at the next Fire Board meeting, held on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 pm.

Thereafter, a 30-day period for public comment. You can submit comments to via email or drop off in person at 808 Portola Ave, Portola Valley.

Timeline:

Tuesday, March 25: First reading of the ordinance; open for public comment
Tuesday, April 29: Second reading of the ordinance. After adoption, it will be submitted to the state.
After adoption by WFPD, the maps will come before the Woodside Town Council for ratification.

Be sure to visit the WFPD FHSZ webpage to learn about:

Key takeaways
Legislative updates
Mapping and compliance
FAQs about the new maps

Stay Informed:
For the latest updates on fire hazard severity zones, defensible space requirements, and community workshops, regularly check the Woodside Fire Protection District's website and sign up for notifications. By staying informed and proactive, residents can significantly reduce wildfire risks and enhance community safety!

WFPD Chipping Program Flyer Updated March 2025

Reminder - Sign Up Now Required!

Chipper Day Program Process Has Changed

WFPD has announced improvements to the Chipping Program designed to enhance efficiency and allow staff to focus on critical services that benefit the community. Starting immediately, residents must MAKE A RESERVATION for the Chipping Program to schedule service.

If you have questions about the Chipping Program or the process required to make a reservation, please contact the WFPD directly at 650-851-1594.

Click here for more information and articles in WFPD's March Edition of their Public Education Newsletter!

Regional News and Opportunities

Peninsula Clean Energy Lowers 2025 Electric Generation Rates

Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), the town's electricity provider, is lowering electric generation charges for customers in San Mateo County throughout at least the coming months, further increasing the existing discount of at least 5% below PG&E's baseline electric generation rate. With this change, customers will now receive at least a 10% discount on generation costs, resulting in the average customer electricity bill decreasing by roughly $7 and potentially up to $20 or more in some areas and among higher energy users.

Read the full press release here.

For information about PCE's energy programs and more ways to reduce your energy costs, visit their website.

Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), electricity provider to San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos, has a new and improved website to help customers understand rates, and learn about new PCE resources.

Bay Area Regional Climate Action Plan Survey

Help shape the Bay Area Regional Climate Action Plan!

The Bay Area Air District (Air District) received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to develop a Bay Area Regional Climate Action Plan (BARCAP) to achieve the Region’s climate goals while centering thriving communities. The region is fortunate to have many local climate action plans, and the state has a statewide plan as well. The BARCAP will complement and build upon these plans.

The BARCAP will include near- and long-term actions to directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our region which contribute to climate change, while also resulting in cleaner air to breathe and healthier communities to live in. The intention is for the BARCAP to not only tackle climate change but also result in benefits to frontline communities—those who are hit hardest by the effects of fossil fuel reliance, and who often face the earliest and most severe impacts of climate change.

The Air District is gathering feedback from Bay Area communities on priorities and concerns regarding regional climate goals and potential strategies and actions. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Submit a response for a chance to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards!

Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Program

Apply for a Seismic Retrofit Grant by Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Does your house sit on a raised foundation, with a crawlspace underneath your first floor? The California Residential Mitigation Program Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program helps homeowners lessen the potential for damage to their houses during an earthquake by "bracing" the crawl space, when necessary, and "bolting" the foundation to the house's frame. This helps prevent the house from sliding or toppling off its foundation during an earthquake.

Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) is now open through March 26, 2025. To register for up to a $3,000 seismic retrofit grant visit the EBB website.

Sustainable San Mateo County Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 3 at 5:30 pm

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) will honor five local sustainability champions and two green buildings at its 26th Annual Awards Celebration on April 3 for their contributions to sustainability in San Mateo County.

Sustainability Awards will go to Caltrain, El Concilio of San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) and the SSMC Youth Sustainability Award winner, Colin Chu, at SSMC’s 26th Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 3, for their contributions to sustainability in San Mateo County. The Ruth Peterson Award will be presented to longtime SSMC volunteer John Crowell at the event.

The event will be held at College of San Mateo starting at 5:30 p.m. and includes a hosted reception, dinner, live auction and an inspiring awards recognition program. State Senator Josh Becker will emcee the evening with former Menlo Park Mayor Kirsten Keith, Vice Chair of SSMC.

Click here for more information on awardees and to purchase tickets.

High School Students:

Apply Today for the Bay Area Summer Academy

Bay Area high school students are encouraged to apply for the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, a paid, virtual + in-person program that introduces Bay Area high school students to public sector career pathways through exposure to regional policy issues such as transportation planning, housing, and air quality management through interactive sessions with partner agencies. Slots are limited, and the application window will close on Sunday, April 27!

From Our Agency Partners

Compost Giveaway at Town Hall

Friday, April 18 After 1 pm

The Town of Woodside, in collaboration with GreenWaste, is offering free, bagged compost for residents of Woodside. The giveaway will take place in the Town Hall parking lot next to the sandbag station starting in the afternoon on Friday, April 18. Woodside households are entitled to one bag each, available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out.

What makes GreenWaste's compost so special? This compost is produced from 100% recycled yard trimmings and designed to benefit soil health. It conditions soil and improves aeration, drainage, and water and nutrient-holding capacity. The compost may be used in vegetable beds, raised beds, and may be used as a soil amendment preparing soil for future planting and sod installations. It's important to note that you shouldn't stick seeds directly into it – it's meant as a soil booster rather than a planting medium.

Learn more about the composting facility used by GreenWaste:

Bay Area Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccination and Awareness as Cases Rise Nationally

With the recent rise of measles cases nationally, San Mateo County joins Bay Area health officials in urging everyone to get the measles vaccination if they are not sure if they got it or if they did not have measles as a child, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles after travel or exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness and death, and the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against the virus. Protect yourself by making sure each member of your family who is 12 months to 3 years old is vaccinated with one dose of MMR vaccine, and each person who is age 4 or older has gotten two doses of MMR vaccine.

Read SMC Health's Full News Release.

Image of What is included in a tick bite prevention kit

Do you live in San Mateo County? Do you spend time outdoors in natural areas? Would you like a NO-COST tick bite prevention kit?

Tick bite prevention kits include:

Information about preventing tick bites and safe, effective repellent options
Pair of fine-tipped tweezers
Tick removal device
Card showing photos and information about common ticks in California
Samples of tick repellent options

Click HERE to fill out a form to request a kit.* One tick kit is allowed per address using the form. If you need more than one kit, please email SMCVCD directly.

*Once you send the request, it may take several weeks for your kit to be delivered. Thanks for your patience!

Special Events in March and April

Home Electrification and Battery Storage Flyer

Woodside's Climate & Sustainability Committee Presents:

Home Electrification and Battery Storage Event

Sunday, March 30 at 4 pm in Independence Hall

On Sunday, March 30th the Climate & Sustainability Committee is hosting a Home Electrification and Battery Storage event in Independence Hall.

Peninsula Clean Energy: Programs and rebates
Steve Schmidt, HomeIntel: Reducing electrical loads
Jeff Beaman, Mountain Microgrids: Home Backup Power
Local resident: Fully electrified home & ADU

Doors open at 3:30 pm and admission is free. Beverages and cheese will be served. Visit the Town Calendar for more information and speaker bios.

Be sure to join us for an Electric-Gardening Equipment Demo from 2:30 to 3:30 pm before the event!

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

Woodside Cars and Coffee

Saturday, April 12 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Check the Town Calendar for more info closer to the event date!

Growing Natives Garden Tour 2025 including
Woodside Library's Native Garden

Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13

Pre-Register below to receive the list of gardens!

The Growing Natives Garden Tour is a free tour of native gardens in Santa Clara Valley & Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area, organized by the California Native Plant Society (Santa Clara Valley Chapter) in association with the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.

Join this self-guided, and free tour of private and public gardens that promotes biodiversity and emphasizes the benefits of native plants for water and energy conservation.

The Woodside Library's Native Plant Garden is on the tour this year!
While this garden is open all year round, visiting it during the tour day provides an opportunity to ask the docents about any particularly interesting plants or features. Note that tour docents are available only on Sunday.

Woodside Library Events

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

Library Night with the San Francisco Giants

Monday, April 7

4:30 pm Pre-Game Community Festival

6:45 pm Giants Game

Before the game, join us in San Francisco’s new China Basin Park to check out our Makermobile and reading garden. Come catch a good book and hang out with other Giants enthusiasts as we get ready to celebrate Library Night at the big game as the Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds.

Pre-Game Community Festival Activities:

New SF Giants-branded library cards
Baseball-themed giveaways
eBook Stop with digital books to borrow
Maker demos with our 3D printers
Food trucks, live music and more!

No tickets are needed to join us at the community festival in China Basin Park! This is a free, public event. China Basin Park is a short walk from Oracle Park, just across McCovey Cove.

SF Giants Tickets to Support the Libraries

Special tickets for the April 7 game are available to support the libraries. Five dollars from every special ticket sold will benefit the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries.

During the game, look for a special shoutout to San Mateo County Libraries and neighboring Bay Area libraries!

Click here for more info and to buy tickets!

Space still Available!

Click here for more information and to register!

Community Recreation Opportunities

Join the Recreation Committee for Family Camping on May 31

Limited Spots Available!

Join us at Memorial State Park for a fun evening of family camping on May 31 to June 1. Includes games, smores, dinner, breakfast, and an evening show!

Kids under 5 are free. Limit of 75 slots. Register now as this will sell out quickly! We will have a waitlist available. No refunds for cancellations or no-shows.

Adult Art Classes and Qi Gong Classes Resume in late March.

Check the Town Calendar for more info!

Save the Date!

Shred Day 2025 - Sponsored by Woodside Community Foundation

Saturday, April 26 from 8 to 11 am (or until truck is full)

Woodside Town Hall - 2955 Woodside Road

Drive up & drop off. Shredding done on site.
Enter from Woodside Road
Loose paper only (no binders or metal—paper clips and staples OK)
Be prepared to present proof of Woodside residency

Check the Woodside Community Foundation website for more info!

103rd Annual May Day Parade and Carnival on May 3, 2025

Giddyup, Woodside!

The 103rd annual Woodside May Day Parade and Carnival returns on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 with the theme Giddyup, Woodside! The Woodside School Parent Teacher Association is honored to host and sponsor this yearly event of the Town of Woodside. The entire community and neighbors are invited to join in on this delightful and longstanding Woodside tradition.

Visit the May Day page for the schedule of events and to pre-order your BBQ lunch!!

Save the Date Town Manager Kevin Bryant's Retirement Party

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