Portola Valley Update July 2, 2024

This week's update:

• Town Hall Closed on July 4th
• Woodside Fire Reminder - No Fireworks Allowed in Portola Valley
• Celebrating Howard Young: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
• 60 Year Residents of the Town Gather to Reminisce
• Portola Valley Summer Concert Series 2024 - 3 Fabulous, Free, Outdoor Concerts in Portola Valley!
• Conservation Committee - What's Blooming Now
• Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip of the Month - Volunteers Build Community
• Upcoming Events

Town Hall Closed on July 4th

Town Hall will be closed on July 4th for the Independence Day Holiday.

Per the Town's Noise Ordinance, No construction/landscaping activities allowed on July 4th

There is no Farmers Market on July 4th.

Woodside Fire Reminder - No Fireworks Allowed in Portola Valley

Woodside Fire Protection District reminds everyone to stay safe this 4th of July. The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to avoid using them altogether. Instead, enjoy a public fireworks display put on by professionals.

The non-emergency number to report fireworks is (650) 368-1421.

For a fun and safe alternative to sparklers, consider using glow sticks. They provide a festive glow without the risks associated with fireworks.

If you're planning to grill outdoors, remember these safety tips:

- Create a 3-foot safety zone around the grill. Ensure there are no structures, children, or pets within this area.

- Always supervise the grill when it’s in use, and keep it on a stable, flat surface away from flammable materials.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating Howard Young: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

After 22 years of dedicated service, Howard Young is bidding farewell to Portola Valley. At the Town Council meeting on June 26th, Howard was honored for his remarkable contributions. He received a commendation from Senator Josh Becker and Assembly Member Marc Berman, along with a Proclamation from the Portola Valley Town Council recognizing his service to the Town.

In addition to these formal recognitions, a special going-away party was held on Monday. Town staff, committee members, and Town Council members gathered to celebrate Howard and his impact on the community.

As the Director of the Public Works Department, Howard has been instrumental in shaping Portola Valley. One of his most significant achievements is the construction of the Town Center. Under his leadership, an 11-acre old school site was transformed into a vibrant community hub. This space now serves as a gathering place for residents, a venue for celebrations, a resource center, and a sustainable workplace for Town staff.

Howard is deeply admired by residents and committee members alike. His dedication, collaboration and ability to forge strong connections with the community embody the ethos of our Town.

As we bid farewell to Howard, we celebrate his numerous contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Howard, for your unwavering commitment to Portola Valley.

60 Year Residents of the Town Gather to Reminisce

On June 23, 1964, residents of our little valley went to the polls and voted to incorporate Portola Valley as a town. Thus, after nine years of research, debate, meetings, and failed attempts to form a town or to be annexed to Woodside, residents had decided that they wanted to control their own fate. This past Sunday, June 23, 2024, on the 60th anniversary of that date, the Historic Resources Committee sponsored a party to recognize the people who had been residents for the entire 60 years of the Town of Portola Valley.

A group of about 28 residents gathered to reminisce about that eventful day. We remembered those who had served the Town that day and in the intervening years, shared stories, and even tested our knowledge of the events of 1964. More events to commemorate our Town's anniversary will be coming. Please stay tuned.

Portola Valley Summer Concert Series 2024 - 3 Fabulous, Free, Outdoor Concerts in Portola Valley!

The Portola Valley Summer Concert Series is an annual three-part concert series that takes place on Thursday evenings after the Farmers Market in the months of July, August and September. The events are organized by the Portola Valley Cultural Arts Committee, and funded by the Town of Portola Valley.

2024 Summer Concert Series

7/18/2024, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Fog City Swampers is a high energy classic rock cover band playing a variety of classic rock tunes sure to get people movin' and groovin’.

8/8/2024, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World is a jazz, afro-cuban, funk, world music band that brings together talented musicians from around the world.

9/5/2024, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM –Bundy Browne & Guitar Gypsy are PV local musicians playing a jammy, bluesy mix of originals and covers influenced by Americana and R&B.