Portola Valley Update June 19, 2025

This Week's Update

• Notice from Town; 4th of July Town Hall Closure
• 🎆 Fireworks Are Illegal in the Woodside Fire Protection District — Here's Why
• IBHS Report on the LA Fires
• Home Safety Tips during the Summer Season
• Peninsula Clean Energy launches 24/7 Emergency Water Heater Replacement Service
• Electronics Recycling and Reuse Drop- Off Event
• Upcoming Town Events

Notice from Town; 4th of July Town Hall Closure

Town Hall will be closed Friday July 4 for the Independence Day Holiday. Per the Town's Noise Ordinance, No Construction or landscaping activities allowed on July 4th for Independence Day. A friendly reminder that fireworks are not allowed per the Town's Municipal code and can be subject to a fine.

🎆 Fireworks Are Illegal in the Woodside Fire Protection District — Here's Why

As we approach the 4th of July, the Woodside Fire Protection District reminds all residents and visitors that all fireworks — including “safe and sane” fireworks — are strictly prohibited within the District’s boundaries. The best way to prevent injuries and fires is simple: avoid using fireworks altogether. Instead, enjoy a public fireworks display put on by professionals — it's safer, legal, and just as festive!

🚫 Why Are Fireworks Illegal?

All fireworks, including “safe and sane” types, are strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the Woodside Fire Protection District — which includes both the Town of Woodside and Town of Portola Valley.

This prohibition is supported by:

• Local ordinance enforced by the District under the District Fire Code Section 5601: The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks within all areas of the Woodside Fire Protection District are prohibited. & District Fire Code Section 5608: All non-professional fireworks listed by the California State Fire Marshal as “Safe and Sane” are prohibited within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Woodside Fire Protection District
• High wildfire risk in our area, especially during the dry summer months, makes fireworks extremely dangerous.

Violators are subject to fines and potential prosecution, as even small fireworks can trigger devastating fires.

⚠️ The Hidden Dangers: Fireworks Injuries & Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• More than 19,000 fires are started by fireworks annually in the U.S.
• In 2023 alone, over 10,000 people were injured badly enough to require emergency treatment — with many injuries involving the hands, face, and eyes.
• Children under 15 account for nearly 1/3 of all fireworks injuries.
• Sparklers alone burn at temperatures above 1,200°F, posing serious burn and fire hazards.

In our local community — where drought conditions and high fuel loads are a constant — even a single spark can escalate into a wildfire threatening homes and lives.

Even seemingly harmless fireworks like sparklers reach temperatures over 1,200°F — hot enough to melt metal or cause severe burns and wildfires.

Don’t take the risk. Leave fireworks to the professionals and protect your family, pets, and neighborhood.

🎇 Safer Alternatives and Fun Tips

• Try glow sticks instead of sparklers — they offer a festive, colorful glow without the fire danger.
• Attend a professional fireworks show hosted in nearby communities for a safe and legal celebration.

🔥 Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

Planning to grill outdoors for the holiday? Keep it safe with these tips:

• Maintain a 3-foot safety zone around the grill — keep children, pets, and flammable objects away.
• Always supervise the grill while in use.
• Place your grill on a flat, stable surface well away from structures, overhangs, or dry vegetation.

By following these safety guidelines, you’re helping ensure a fun, fire-safe, and injury-free Independence Day for everyone in the community.

Happy 4th of July from Woodside Fire Protection District!

IBHS Report on the LA Fires

In Mar-2025, IBHS issued an early observation report on the LA Fires. The massive urban conflagration is being attributed to extreme fire weather, drought, structure density, connective fuels, and building materials. IBHS evaluated 247 structures to see where connective fuels (wood fences, cars, privacy hedges, trash cans) and resilient building materials (vents, double pane windows, siding) made a difference.

Check the list below and think about where home hardening might have changed the outcome. How do your mitigation efforts compare to the preparation in LA?

Not sure what the right answers are? Check out CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire Tips.

This bi-weekly Tip was brought to you by the Wildfire Preparedness Committee

Home Safety Tips during the Summer Season

Summer Safety Tips

Residents are the extra "eyes and ears" for SMC Sheriff's Office. If you "see something, say something." Promptly report suspicious behavior or noise to 9-1-1 (or non-emergency 650-363-4911, ext. 1). Make home security a daily habit.

Away on a Trip

Alert your immediate neighbors about your absence and submit a house watch request with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. To schedule, call 650-363-4911, ext. 1 or file by online SMCSheriff.com>Services>Vacation House Checks.

Ask neighbors to bring in your mail, packages, and garbage cans promptly.

For transport to the airport, use a trusted service or friend. Options such as Uber and Lyft may not be secure.

Be cautious about sharing your summer travel plans publicly, especially on social media.

Homes

Lock all doors and windows, even when you are home. Make sure to keep all valuables out of your master bedroom and adjoining bedrooms. If you use a safe, do not keep it in the master bedroom.When you leave the house turn on the TV and or Radio, put interior lights on a timer. Use outdoor lighting with motion sensors.

Most home burglaries occur between 9 am and 3 pm during the work week when no one is home. Burglars will knock and, if someone answers, pretend to be looking for someone or say they must have the wrong address. They’ll watch a home for movement or noise. They’ll be on the lookout for neighbors who might see them. Use deadbolt locks and consider installing a security system that captures comings and goings and alerts you when someone comes to the door.

Alarm Systems

For systems connected to a service, such as ADT or Bay Alarm, set your alarm to go directly to 9-1-1 Dispatch instead of your mobile phone. The delay in checking with the homeowner to see if it’s a false alarm is enough for a burglar to easily get in and away. SMC Sheriff's Office direct deployment by 9-1-1 enables a prompt response. SMC Sheriff's Office does not charge for false alarms.

Vehicles

Remove garage remotes or spare house keys from a car you regularly park outside. Don’t label your residence as “Home” on your GPS. Always lock your car and remove all valuables.

Garage Doors

Close and lock your garage doors. An open door is a visual invitation to come in. Be sure to lock the connecting door from the garage to the house if you have one.

Deliveries and Packages

Avoid leaving packages visible on your porch. Request delivery services to leave items in secure locations. Installing a locking mailbox for incoming mail adds another layer of security. Collecting your mail promptly-- or asking a neighbor if you cannot -- is key.

Door-to-Door Soliciting

If a solicitor comes to your door, ask them for their Town permit. If they do not have one, call the SMC Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number 650-363-4911, ext. 1, with a description of the person and vehicle. SMC Sheriff's Office will want to come out immediately to talk to them. For more information or to put your address on the Do-Not-Solicit list, see Soliciting in Portola Valley.

Partner with Your Neighbors

Let trusted neighbors know if you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your property.

More Safety Information

Frequently asked questions, home security tips, and much more at Town Safety/Crime on the Town website. For crime statistics, see San Mateo County Sheriff | Portola Valley, CA.

Peninsula Clean Energy launches 24/7 Emergency Water Heater Replacement Service

An emergency replacement of a broken water heater can be super stressful. Peninsula Clean Energy has a new service that aims to make it easier - and a lot cleaner.

We are now offering rapid service to install a new energy-efficient electric heat pump water heater as a replacement for a broken gas-powered one. And that replacement may result in zero cost to qualified residents.

By calling us at (650) 314-4796, our partner contractor is available 24/7 to confirm eligibility and to schedule an in-home assessment for the same or next day. So who is eligible? Any active Peninsula Clean Energy residential customer who legally owns anything from a single-family home up to a fourplex with an existing gas water heater. Customers meeting income and other qualifications may be eligible for a no-cost installation.

Check out all the details on Peninsula Clean Energy’s website.

Electronics Recycling and Reuse Drop - Off Event

Have electronics to recycle? San Mateo County Sustainability Department and Foster City have scheduled an Electronics Recycling and Reuse Drop – Off Event July 19, 2025 9:00 AM – 1:00pm.

Where: Foster City’s City Hall parking lot located at 610 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, 94404

Items accepted include:

• Small appliances: microwaves, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, lamps (without bulbs), etc.
• Radio and stereo components
• Phones and cell phones
• Fax machines, copiers, printers, scanners
• Televisions, VCRs, DVD players
• Computers (CPUs), monitors, laptops, keyboards, hard drives
• Electronic video games and toys
• Clean clothing, blankets, decorative pillows, and towels

Items NOT accepted include:

• Batteries of any kind
• Fluorescent lightbulbs, tubes and ballasts
• Large appliances: stoves, dryers and washing machines, air conditioners
• Furniture
• Smoke detectors
• Solar panels
• Thermostats
• Bed sheets and bed pillows
• Dirty clothing

Working items will be donated to local Goodwill stores for reuse.

Residents must provide proof of residency in San Mateo County (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, garbage collection bill, etc.).