Portola Valley Update May 8, 2025

Committee Spotlight; Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee (BPTS)

Portola Valley’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee was formed in 2012, with the purpose to provide a more balanced approach to road safety for all. The committee works with Town Council, conducting research and providing recommendations for safety improvements. It provides representation for Residents with safety concerns and ideas for improvements, and, historically, has enjoyed close ties with the Public works department. Beyond its monthly meetings, BPTS coordinates traffic safety to support Town events such as Zotts to Tots, PV Palooza and more. We also maintain connection with the San Mateo County Sheriff to track traffic incidents and share local concerns.

Committee priorities have focused primarily on pedestrian and cyclist safety, prompting self directed studies to identify issues and propose improvements. As a result, crosswalk upgrades, including two new flashing beacon installations currently under construction, and systematic widening of the shoulders on our main corridor count among BPTS’s primary achievements.

The committee membership comprises, Patt Baenen, Angela Hey, Ed Holland (Chair), Kevin Welch (Sheriff’s commissioner) who have served since its formation, and Caroline Vertongen, our most recent volunteer. As Chair, I am grateful for the efforts and support of the team, especially in writing grant proposals and conducting research at the county and national levels. We can always use more help - Our charter permits nine members, so if this is something important to you, please get in touch with Town Staff

Ed Holland, BPTS Chair

CUBDATE

Fern and Thistle furever home confirmed! Fern and Thistle will make their way to their new home at Phoenix Zoo soon. The Habitat they will be housed in in the newest addition to the Phoenix Zoo's Arizona Trail, called called Big Cats of Arizona, Fern and Thistle will rotate space with the Zoo’s nineteen-year-old mountain lion, Mystic. Neighbors to Fern and Thistle are two jaguars; Caipora and Saban. After a move date is chosen, Oakland Zoo will let us know when the cubs arrive safely!

Last month their sibling Spruce made his way to Birmingham Zoo in Alabama last month, he has his new buddy Juniper by his side. The two cubs were paired based on their similar personalities and age.

All of the Portola Valley Three received wellness exams for their departure, and over the past few months the wonderful animal care staff at Oakland Zoo have been using positive reinforcement training to help them become comfortable in human care.

To keep up with Spruce follow @Bhamzoo

Keep up with Fern and Thistle via Phoenix Zoo Instagram @phoenixzoo

The 5 P's for Emergency Evacuation

SMC Supervisor Jackie Speier was instrumental in organizing the recent Be Wildfire Safe & Ready fair at the SMC Event Center. One of the speakers mentioned the 5 P’s to prioritize in an emergency evacuation: People, Pets, Prescriptions, Photos and Papers.

Each person and pet should have a go bag, and the go bag should include any medications that person/pet needs. Upload your photos and most important papers to the cloud and backup to a drive.

Two speakers had lost their homes in the Palisades and CZU fires. They emphasized that you should photograph/video everything in your home for insurance purposes. They also advised that you identify the most precious heirlooms, photo albums, artwork, or other objects that you would grab if you have the time and space. Maintain situational awareness, especially on Red Flag Days. Neither of these homeowners received any alert before it was time to leave.

Please subscribe to Portola Valley eNotices from the WPC and eNotifications from WFPD.

PV homeowners are encouraged to participate in the WPC’s on-going 5-minute insurance tracking project. Go here to report on your home insurance availability and affordability.

Help Preserve Open Space in San Mateo County

Thurs. May 15, 7 to 8 p.m. Help Preserve Open Space in San Mateo County

Walter Moore of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) will discuss POST’s successful model for land protection, allowing people to connect with nature. He’ll also share information about the San Vicente Redwoods, a 9,000-acre home to old-growth redwoods, and how you can help support local open space protection. This program will be held in the Burlingame Community Center at 850 Burlingame Ave. in Burlingame. Please register at https://PreserveOpenSpace.eventbrite.com. You can sign up for optional free tour at 6:15 p.m. of the award-winning, zero-net-energy Burlingame Community Center with Burlingame Councilmember Donna Colson at https://CommCenterTour.eventbrite.com.