Portola Valley Update November 7, 2024

This week's update:

• Recovering from Fires and Floods California's Insurance Crisis Q&A. Hosted by SMC Supervisor Ray Muller
• Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - Rethinking Wood Mulch
• Portola Valley Library Presents A Documentary Screening Event: Portola Valley at 60
• Sudden Oak Death - 2024 Findings
• WFPD November Newsletter Update
• Just Announced! 2025 Sustainability Awards now Open
• Upcoming Events

Recovering from Fires and Floods California's Insurance Crisis Q&A. Hosted by SMC Supervisor Ray Muller

Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip -Rethinking Wood Mulch

News Flash: On Monday Nov-11-2024 @ 6:00-9:00 PM in the Community Hall, SMC Supervisor Ray Mueller is holding a Q&A on the insurance crisis. RSVP to SMC_SUPMUELLER@smcgov.org.

Wood mulch should never be placed in Zone Zero (within 5 feet of a structure) or at the bottom of a wooden fence. In outer zones (5 to 100 feet), the WFPD Fuel Mitigation Ordinance specifies that mulch be less than 4” deep. As shown in IBHS testing, when embers land in wood mulch, they burn fast.

Keeping mulch thin reduces the height and intensity of the flame, but it can still lead fire to bushes, trees, wood siding, sheds, and wood fences. The best idea might be to find a non-combustible alternative. Think about it.

Portola Valley Library Presents A Documentary Screening Event: Portola Valley at 60

The Portola Valley Library is holding a special program with Ateret and Charlie, the filmmakers of Portola Valley at 60. The program is on November 19th, 12pm - 1pm. There will be donuts, coffee, tea and will be doing a love letter to PV activity after the screening and Q&A.

Sudden Oak Death - 2024 Findings

Sudden Oak Death or SOD persists in California, especially in the SF Peninsula, and can threaten our trees. Every year, hundreds of volunteers participate in the SOD blitzes and canvas forests to survey the distribution of SOD. Recently, a different SOD-inducing strain was identified in Northern California, posing a new and different threat to those forests . Since then, UC Berkeley tests all SOD Blitz collections to determine the SOD strain infecting them. Having SOD in your property is relevant: come to the SOD blitz results meeting to know where SOD is locally and to hear the results of the strain testing program.

Tuesday, November 12

6:00-8:00 P.M.

Woodside Town Hall

WFPD November Newsletter Update

As we embrace the crisp air and colorful leaves of autumn, we also recognize the continued fire season. Woodside Fire Protection District is proud to present our fall quarterly newsletter. In this edition, you'll find timely updates, essential safety resources, and an overview of our recent activities. Stay informed about upcoming community events, and join us in our commitment to keeping Woodside safe and connected during this critical time.

Just Announced! 2025 Sustainability Awards now Open

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Awards Program, which honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices. Applications are welcome for SSMC’s Sustainability Awards and Youth Sustainability Award, as well as the Green Building Award, which is awarded jointly by SSMC and the American Institute of Architects San Mateo Chapter (AIASMC).

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on November 11, 2024. SSMC will recognize the awardees at its 26th Annual Awards Celebration on April 6, 2025.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/Sustainability-Awards-2025.