Portola Valley Update October 19, 2023

This week's update:

• Discover the Untold Tales of Portola Valley in Charlie Krenz's Latest Film
• What's Blooming Now- California Fuchsia
• Town Hall Lobby Hours
• Hawthorns Property Public Access Working Group Meeting 3: Design Discussion
• Portola Valley School District Ribbon Cutting- Oct 20
• Order Your Discounted Rain Barrel Before October 22nd!
• West Nile Virus Cases in Birds Continue to Rise
• Upcoming Events

Discover the Untold Tales of Portola Valley in Charlie Krenz's Latest Film

We're thrilled to share the latest masterpiece from filmmaker Charlie Krenz, the creative genius behind the Alpine Road Story. This time, Krenz takes us on a captivating journey through the heart of Portola Valley in a two-part video series focused on the iconic Windy Hill. The first part delves into the lives of early residents Herbert Law and John Francis Neylan, who once owned vast expanses of the Windy Hillside. Their stories, intricately woven from the town's historic archives, bring to life a bygone era, rich in legacy and ambition. In the second part, Krenz unveils the remarkable tale of how ambitious plans for 500 homes on Windy Hill transformed into a legacy of open space. This poignant narrative not only encapsulates the essence of Portola Valley's history but also stands as a testament to the power of community and preservation.

In 1980, Windy Hill Preserve emerged as a significant addition to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, marking the beginning of a new era for Portola Valley. Covering a sprawling 966 acres, the preserve became a reality through a strategic 537-acre acquisition, generously supported by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). This endeavor was a beacon of hope, securing the upper portion of Windy Hill and setting the stage for its transformation into a haven of natural beauty. Later, in 1987, a second major purchase of 429 acres expanded the preserve to include the picturesque Spring Ridge, completing the preserve's scenic backdrop.

Watch the videos by following the links below:

Windy Hill History, Part 1, An Entrepreneur and a Lawyer

Windy Hill History, Part 2, Developers and the Creation of the Peninsula Open Space Trust

What's Blooming Now

California Fuchsia or Zauschneria

Epilobium canum

California gardens can look dry and uninspired this time of year, but the California fuchsia is still in bloom and a critical late season pollinator plant.

An example can be found by the creek at the Town Center demonstration garden.

This perennial herb is terrific for native gardens, dry hillsides and sad parking areas. A local native, and present widely throughout much of California, it requires NO summer water (once established), and it blooms continuously from late summer through fall, when few other plants are in bloom.

• Superabundant, scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators.
• Deer resistant, grows under Eucalyptus and tolerates clay, sand and serpentine soils.
• Prefers full sun and tolerates poor drainage.
• Cut it to the ground after bloom for a tidier and stronger form.
• Spreads by rhizomes so it can become quite large – 2’ H x 3’ W or more and self-seeds readily.

This plant is fire resistant and is on several Fire Safe plant lists, including that of FireSafe Marin and County of San Diego. It makes a great fire-resistant ground cover.

Available at most local nurseries that carry native plants. Try one, you won’t regret it.

Town Hall Lobby Hours

The Town Hall lobby is temporarily closed Monday - Thursday 12- 5 PM and Friday all day. 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.

Hawthorns Property Public Access Working Group Meeting 3: Design Discussion

Thursday, October 26th, 6pm to 9pm

Location: Midpen Administrative Office – 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022 and Zoom (link available on 10/23/23 on the MROSD Website or by their enotifcation system)

Meeting agenda: Discuss parking and driveway options, as well as internal connections, trailheads, trail uses, and local and regional connectivity opportunities. Select two co-chairs.

Portola Valley School District Ribbon Cutting- Oct 20

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I invite you to PVSD's upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This celebration will mark the successful, and long-awaited completion of the construction and modernization projects on both school campuses. It will also provide an opportunity for us to express our gratitude, and give the community a chance to come together and witness the transformation first hand. Your unwavering support and patience throughout the duration of these projects has been very, very appreciated.

Friday, October 20, 2023

4:00 - 5:00 pm at Ormondale, 200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley

5:00 - 6:30 pm at Corte Madera, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley

Our dedication to providing the best possible learning environment for PVSD students has been the driving force behind these projects. With your trust and collaboration, we have achieved significant milestones, including:

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: New, cutting-edge classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces that will inspire and support student growth.

• Enhanced Safety: New, modern security systems ensure the safety of students and staff, and create a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

• Energy Efficiency: Upgraded energy-efficient systems will reduce PVSD’s environmental footprint, save valuable resources reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

We believe these improvements will not only benefit our current students, but also future generations who will have the privilege of learning and growing within these enhanced facilities.

Please join us on this momentous occasion to celebrate our achievements together. Your presence will make this event even more special. We have a fantastic program planned, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the newly renovated areas, and refreshments. To assist us in planning this event efficiently, kindly RSVP by October 6 by clicking on this link.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support, and we look forward to seeing you on October 20 – starting at Ormondale ay 4:00.

Warmest regards, Roberta Zarea - PVSD Superintendent

Order Your Discounted Rain Barrel Before October 22nd!

The 2023 Rain Barrel Bulk Program has already been a great success!

Thanks to all San Mateo County residents and businesses who have purchased a rain barrel so far. You’re part of a rain capture movement that’s taken our city by storm this year!

If you are yet to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase up to two high-quality 50-gallon rain barrels for just $80 each, this is your last chance to secure your barrel(s) before supplies run out or the sale closes on Sunday 10/22!

Place your order now to save money, prevent stormwater pollution, and help us catch every last drop of rainwater in San Mateo County!

West Nile Virus Cases in Birds Continue to Rise

There has been a recent rise in West Nile virus cases in California. So far, instances in deceased birds have been reported in Redwood Shores, Menlo Park, and North Fair Oaks. The good news is that no human cases have emerged in San Mateo County so far. While the risk of severe illness is generally low, it's crucial to note that older adults and those with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable.

San Mateo County residents can play a part by reporting biting mosquitoes to Vector Control at 650-344-8592 or by submitting a service request. Additionally, if you come across any dead birds, please report them to the state hotline at 877-968-2473 or submit a report.

You can educate yourself on how to protect against mosquito bites. Simple precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your health and that of your community.