This week's update:
- This Weekend - Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots Race
- Conservation Committee Tip of the Month
- Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
- Make and Appointment for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off event in Portola Valley
- Town Hall Lobby Hours
- International ShakeOut Day
- Upcoming Events
This Weekend - Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots Race
Saturday, September 23rd
Please join us at the Town Picnic on Saturday, September 23rd at the Portola Valley Town Center for the Town Picnic and Zotts to Tots! Join the Family Fun Run and Bike Race. It ends at the picnic where you can rest up, get a bite to eat and enjoy all the activities. Kid's activities could include face-painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more. Bring the whole family for a day of fun at the Portola Valley Town Center!
Pre-registration for Zotts to Tots in now closed. If you would like to register for the race please arrive early to the parking area adjacent to the Alpine Inn.
Please Note – There will be road closure in town during the Zotts to Tots race. Maps will be posted to the route along Alpine and Portola Roads between the Alpine Inn and Town Center. Please plan accordingly.
Conservation Committee - Tip of the Month
Pruning Native Trees and Shrubs
Now is a good time to prune your trees and shrubs:
Here are two good sources of information:
Grassroots Ecology
https://www.grassrootsecology.org/from-the-field/2022/10/14/pruning-a-native-plant-garden
California Native Plant Society
https://www.cnps.org/gardening/digging-deeper/pruning-tips-techniques
Late summer/fall pruning is good because:
- Warm/dry weather aids in healthy healing of the wounds
- No nesting animals
- Many native plants are in a semi-dormant state at this time of year, awaiting the return of rain
When pruning, focus your energy on limbs that are:
- Dead
- Damaged or Diseased
- Deranged – crossing, rubbing or misshapen limbs
Here are some key reminders:
- Pruning the end of a branch stimulates bushiness; removing branches opens up the canopy allowing sunlight and air to penetrate and the plant to achieve its full potential
- Prune the branch down to the “collar” but do not remove it - this forms the scar tissue
- Remove any Bay (U. californica) limbs that encroach on evergreen oaks (Black Oak, Coast Live Oak, Scrub Oak…) to reduce chances of SOD infection
- It is ALWAYS a good idea to clean your tools between plants
Wildfire Preparedness Committee Tip - September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, and we hope you’re taking at least 1 step each week to be better prepared for a disaster.
September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The nationwide 9-8-8 dial code for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched last year. Adults and youth in crisis can get free and confidential help 24x7 via phone, text, and online.
- Dial 9-8-8
- Text 9-8-8
- Call 1-800-273-8255
- Online Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
Calls are forwarded to the SMC StarVista Crisis Center, which can also be contacted directly:
- 650-579-0350
- Teen Text Line 650-747-6463 is available Monday-Friday 4:00 PM to10:00 PM
Please share this info with your loved ones.
Make and Appointment for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off event in Portola Valley
The Town of Portola Valley is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off event in Portola Valley on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 8:30am-12:15pm. Accepted items include cleaning products; fertilizers and garden chemicals; pesticides, herbicides and rodenticides; solvents; flammable liquids; fluorescent lights (compact and tubes), paint thinner, acids/bases, aerosol cans, and automotive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid). All waste collected is reused, recycled, or stabilized for proper disposal to achieve zero waste and prevent any items from going to the landfill and contaminating our water and soil. No electronic, radioactive, explosive, or medical waste is accepted. This event is open to all who live in San Mateo County.
To participate, you must schedule an appointment at San Mateo County’s HHW Program: smchealth.org/hhw-appt or by calling (650) 372-6200. The event location is disclosed once your appointment is confirmed. Limit 10 gallons or 50 pounds per appointment (per car load). If you have greater than 10 gallons, you must schedule an appointment for each 10 gallons of waste and make separate vehicle trips for each appointment. No commercial waste allowed.
OPTIONAL: Residents unable to attend this event can still dispose of household hazardous waste for free at San Mateo County’s permanent HHW facility Thursdays-Saturdays (except major holiday weekends). You must make an appointment at smchealth.org/hhw-appt or call (650) 372-6200. Recycling/safe disposal of paint, fluorescent lights, household batteries, and used motor oil/filters can be done at a local collection center – no appointment needed. Visit smchealth.org/hhw-most-wanted for local drop-off sites. For more information, visit smchealth.org/hhw
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.
International ShakeOut Day
This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 19, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
At 10:19 am (local time) on 10/19, you can join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.
Upcoming Town Events
September 23 - Town Picnic & Zotts to Tots
This exciting family event will bring family and friends together for a day of outdoor fun. Lace-up your running shoes or hop on your bike for the exciting race, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque route. Afterward, indulge in a delicious bite to eat and immerse yourself in the plethora of activities at the picnic. From games and entertainment to face painting and pony rides, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for a day filled with family fun and memorable moments!
October 7 - Neighborhood Cleanup Day
Get ready for the next Neighborhood Clean-Up Day! This event is free for Portola Valley residents - you will need to bring a copy of your GreenWaste garbage bill or the mailer insert as proof of residency. Please note: No items will be accepted after 11 am
Councilmember Hufty Office Hours
Councilmember Hufty will hold office hours in the Heritage Room every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 10 AM to 12 PM.
Every Thursday 2-6 PM - Farmers Market
The Portola Valley Farmers Market will be held rain or shine. The market is open from 2 - 6 PM each Thursday.
4th Tuesday of the Month, 4 PM General Plan Discussion Group
A citizen-formed General Plan Discussion Group that will utilize Town resources to provide educational opportunities and increase awareness and inclusiveness for residents to learn more about the General Plan. The Discussion Group will be every 4th Tuesday in the Buckeye Room The meeting will be limited to 90 minutes.