Portola Valley Update May 2, 2024

This week's update:

• Celebrating Patty Dewes: 2024 Volunteer of the Year
• Tip from the Emergency Preparedness Committee
• Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - Firewise for Community Resilience
• Conservation Committee - What's Blooming Now
• Saddle Up for Fun at the Horse Fair on May 18th!
• Register for the Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz
• Save the Date for PV Palooza - June 1
• Save the Date for the Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots -September 21st!
• May is Mental Health Month - Heal Through Connection
• Upcoming Events

Celebrating Patty Dewes: 2024 Volunteer of the Year

In Portola Valley, community spirit shines brightly, and nothing embodies this more than the annual Volunteer of the Year award. This accolade is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in our town. This year, we are proud to honor Patty Dewes as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year.

Patty's dedication to serving Portola Valley is encompassing and inspirational. Most notably, her leadership on the Parks & Rec Committee has been instrumental for helping the Town since 2018, where she has not only chaired the committee for the last 4 years but has also navigated through various challenges, from managing recreational facilities to organizing the Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots.

Beyond her visible roles, Patty's contributions extend quietly behind the scenes. From leading important initiatives like the ADU Working Group to advocating for committees to embrace non-Brown Act status, her impact is far-reaching. Currently, she is actively involved in updating the Town's committee handbook and organizing the upcoming 60th-anniversary tea, showcasing her commitment to the community's future while honoring its past.

But Patty's dedication doesn't stop there. She serves on multiple committees, including the Town’s Historic Resource Committee and the Hawthorn’s Ad Hoc Committee, demonstrating her wide-ranging involvement in town affairs. Moreover, her commitment to emergency preparedness, as demonstrated by her CERT certification and her roles as a Portola Valley WPV-Ready liaison to WFPD, Emergency Preparedness Leader for Westridge, the Firewise Leader for Westridge, and as the Neighborhood Watch Leader, highlights her dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

What sets Patty apart is not just her can-do attitude, but also her ability to inspire others and foster a sense of camaraderie. Whether it's tackling complex issues or lending a helping hand in her neighborhood, Patty's enthusiasm and positivity are infectious.

Patty, your tireless efforts and selfless dedication have left an indelible mark on Portola Valley. We are immensely grateful for everything you do, and it's with great pride that we present you with this well-deserved honor. Congratulations, Patty Dewes, on being named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Portola Valley is fortunate to have you as a guiding light in our community.

Tip from the Emergency Preparedness Committee

There are many coordinated efforts to keep us safe during an emergency, particularly when evacuation is necessary. It's crucial for town residents to do their part by being prepared to evacuate promptly upon receiving or perceiving an evacuation alert. Since our evacuation routes may be limited or compromised, it's best to leave early.

The PV EPC recommends visiting WPV-Ready.org for more information. Here's what you need to do:

• Sign into your account.
• Register as a user.
• Watch the tutorial.
• Navigate to "My Profile."
• Complete the listed assessments.

Afterward, develop your strategy for leaving quickly, ensuring you have necessary supplies, and feeling confident that your home will be secure.

Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - Firewise for Community Resilience

Today, insurers are scrutinizing a property’s home hardening, zone zero, and defensible space. But the insurance industry is starting to look beyond parcel boundaries to community resilience. In the near future, getting insurance may depend on your neighborhood’s ability to organize and increase its wildfire resiliency at a community level.

The NFPA offers the Firewise USA program to help organize and inspire a community to take action. WFPD assesses the community’s risk, and members commit to a 3-year plan to reduce vulnerability to embers and fire spread.

The WPC is pushing for more of Portola Valley to go Firewise. As part of NFPA Wildfire Preparedness Day, the WPC is hosting a Firewise information table at the PV Farmers Market this Thursday May-2-2024 from 2:00-6:00 PM.

Are you interested in organizing your block? Please join us and meet existing Firewise leaders to learn how to get started.

CAL FIRE presented a quick overview of Firewise in their May-8-2023 public education webinar.

If you can’t join us this week

Stay tuned for the next table event, or visit any of these resources:

· Check out WPV-Ready’s Firewise page

· Check out the NFPA page on how to become a Firewise USA site

· Email WPV-Ready Firewise or contact WFPD’s Marshall Hird

Save the Date for PV Palooza - June 1

The third annual PV Palooza Summer Music Festival will be on Saturday, June 1 from 11 AM to 9 PM at the Portola Valley Town Center, featuring 16 local bands on two main stages plus 14 side stage bands (primarily kids' bands) that play during the breaks on the main stages.

PV Palooza Foundation is the nonprofit volunteer-run foundation that has been formed this year to continue funding and organizing the event.

Save the Date for the Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots -September 21st!

Portola Valley residents, mark your calendars for a day of community celebration and family fun on Saturday, September 21st! The eagerly awaited Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots event is back, promising a day packed with excitement for everyone.

Participants for the Zotts to Tots run, which kicks off at Rossotti's Alpine Inn, will embark on a 2.4-mile journey along Alpine Road and Portola Road. This family fun run welcomes runners and bikers of all ages, promoting health, wellness, and community spirit.

Once the run concludes, the festivities continue at the Portola Valley Town Center, where the Town Picnic awaits. Gather with friends, neighbors, and fellow participants to enjoy a tasty food and a wide array of activities for all ages.

So, mark your calendars and spread the word—September 21st is a day not to be missed in Portola Valley. Come join us for food, fun, and festivities at the Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots.

May is Mental Health Month - Heal Through Connection

Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Month (MHM) in May. MHM is one of the best times of the year to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions.

The County is hosting a series of free public events, both in person and available online. With the theme Heal Through Connection and the hashtag #SMCAgainstLoneliness, the events seek to increase awareness and inspire action