October 28, 2025

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Initiated

The Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan , originally approved in 2021, was developed through a collaborative regional effort to reduce risks from natural and human-caused disasters. The current LHMP was approved by the Town Council on January 26, 2022. The plan is now due for an update in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 2022 policy revisions.

The LHMP evaluates hazard vulnerabilities and outlines mitigation actions that local jurisdictions will implement to minimize injuries, property damage, and community disruptions caused by disasters. It addresses both natural and human-caused hazards, including flooding, drought, wildfires, landslides, severe weather, terrorism, cyber threats, pandemics, and the impacts of climate change. This is only a planning document with future mitigation actions identified. It will not include any actual potential projects as that would require CEQA review at a project level.

This plan update is led by and fully funded by the County Department of Emergency Services. Participation includes the County, 20 jurisdictions, 16 special districts, and one new district. The Town Council must formally adopt the LHMP once the Approvable Pending Adoption status is issued by FEMA/Cal OES.

Inclusion in the LHMP ensures that the Town’s facilities and needs are formally recognized in countywide hazard planning and provides eligibility for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs (e.g., Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), HMGP-Post Fire). Mitigation actions included in the plan may require tracking and reporting if pursued for funding. While having an adopted FEMA-approved LHMP makes the Town eligible for FEMA mitigation grants, funding is not guaranteed, and applications can be resource-intensive.

The County started work in September on a critical community assessment to better understand our residents' emergency preparedness needs, barriers they face, and how they can enhance support before, during, and after disaster. This survey will help us identify vulnerabilities, evaluate preparedness levels, and develop targeted strategies for improving emergency response—particularly for our most vulnerable populations. The data collected will directly inform resource allocation, policy updates, and emergency planning decisions that affect every department and the communities we serve.

Survey Link: San Mateo County Emergency Management: Community Assessment Survey

That’s a Wrap! - After Action Report Town Council Meeting of October 22, 2025 

Council Meeting Date: October 22, 2025 (Full Agenda link) 

Video Link: Town Council Meeting Video Recording 

Details of each item can be found in the Agenda

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7 pm.

Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with a Proclamation for National Native American Heritage Month. The Mayor encouraged community members who wish to learn more about local Native American community to consider attending a series of upcoming community lectures open to the public for free at Jasper Ridge.

Next, there was a Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Proclamation was accepted by Duffy Magilligan, Board Chair of the Board of Directors at CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse). CORA provides safety, support and healing for individuals who experience abuse in an intimate relationship and educates the community to break the cycle of domestic violence. They serve Portola Valley with these services.

The Town Manager Report included the following information:

• The Town Trivia night will be held on November 8th. Join your neighbors for a fun-filled evening of banter and interesting facts! You can register online at the Town website.
• There is a statewide Special Election Nov. 4, 2025. There is a ballot drop-off box outside townhall and the Schoolhouse will be a vote center Nov. 1 – 4. Only Proposition 50 is on the ballot, there are no local items.
• Introduced the new Interim Planning and Building Manager Steve McHarris. He brings decades of experience to the town and has already made a different in helping the Town with our important work improving planning and building operations for our community.

The Council accepted public comments on items not on the agenda.

The Council moved on to the Consent Agenda (~7:16pm) consisting of items a to d. Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council.  Included in this month's Consent Agenda were the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2025; the review and acceptance of the Warrant List of October 22, 2025; appointment of Sarah Gilbert to the Conservation Committee; and appointment of Simon Klemperer to the Geologic Safety Committee. Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council approved all items.

Next up was Regular Agenda (~7:17 pm) which consisted of one item, the consideration of the approval of a professional consultant services agreement for on-call planning, building, code enforcement, and engineering services with CSG, Inc. and a professional consultant services agreement for on-call planning, building, and engineering services with Interwest, Inc. After a presentation by staff, the Council asked questions and discussed the item, then voted to approve the agreements (~7.49pm).

Next up was the Study Session (~7:50pm), which included an item for the Town Council to receive information and provide direction to staff and the Parks and Recreation Committee on a potential replacement of existing portable restrooms and snack shack at Ford Field (Dorothy Ford Park & Open Space) with a permanent building containing flushable restrooms and snack service area. The Council provided direction to 1) move forward to a concept design phase and obtain rough cost estimates to replace the portable restrooms and snack shack; 2) consider the current site location as one alternative and examine two other alternatives presented; and 3) designate this as a Portola Valley Fund project and also accept other donations to initiate Town work on the project. The Council also provided direction to work with the Town Commissions to obtain input as we move forward with the project.

The last item on the Agenda was the Subcommittee, Liaison Committee, and Regional Agency Report. (~9:36 pm).

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:39 pm, that as they say - was a wrap! 

The next meeting of the City Council is a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 7 pm.

For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website.

Thanks for reading!
 
Darcy Smith
Town Manager
Town of Portola Valley
dsmith@portolavalley.net   

October 14, 2025

Approval of the Alpine Road Scenic Corridor Priority Conservation Area Designation

The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) officially approved the Alpine Road Scenic Corridor Priority Conservation Area (PCA) designation. The PCA spans along the length of Alpine Road from the border with Ladera up to the Coal Mine Ridge Open Space and includes Dorothy Ford Park and Open Space, Rossotti’s field, and Corte Madera School playing fields as well as the Frog Pond Open Space. The Scenic Corridor helps link the Hawthorns Nature Preserve to the Coal Mine Ridge and Windy Hill Open Space Priority Conservation Areas. It includes the Alpine Road Trail and the Dwight Crowder Trail along both sides of the road.

This new PCA designation allows the Town to apply for grants for bike and pedestrian trail improvements and other conservation-related improvements to our Scenic Corridor. You can see the extent of the current PCA designations throughout the 9 county Bay area at this link to the GIS mapper: Mapping Viewer This is the link of all the PCAs approved this year in the ABAG territory:  Finalized list of PCAs.

Thank you to the Council, staff, committees, and everyone who helped and supported this initiative, including Councilmember Rebecca Flynn for her extensive work on this.

That’s a Wrap! - After Action Report Town Council Meeting of October 8, 2025 

Council Meeting Date: October 8, 2025 (Full Agenda link) 

Video Link: Town Council Meeting Video Recording 

Details of each item can be found in the Agenda

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7 pm.

Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with a Presentation for the acceptance of the Eagle Scout Plaque for Town Archives. This plaque honors nearly a century of scouting excellence in the community, from Troop 64's founding as a Japanese American group in the 1930s to today's thriving troops with 36 Scouts. With 95 Eagles since 1970 whose projects have enhanced our town—from Ford Field picnic tables to Corte Madera's oak tree mural—this plaque in the Town Archives ensures their legacy of service and leadership will be preserved for generations to come.

Next, there was a Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is coming up October 5–11, and this year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This year’s focus on lithium-ion batteries is important for both home safety and wildfire prevention. Fire Prevention Week serves as a vital reminder of the steps we can all take to protect our homes, families, and neighbors from fire hazards. We are thankful to Woodside Fire Protection District for their ongoing dedication to keeping our community safe. The work they do every day, along with your efforts to educate the public about fire prevention and wildfire preparedness, makes a meaningful contribution. Keep an eye out for information about the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 16^th!

The Town Manager Report included the following information:

• The Town Trivia night will be held on November 8th. Join your neighbors for a fun-filled evening of banter and interesting facts! You can register online at the Town website.
• The Town has committee positions open – these include the Wildfire Preparedness Committee, the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, and more. We are particularly looking for new members given the importance of these topics in the Town. We will be recruiting for the ASCC soon, so watch for this recruitment as well. Please submit a committee application on the town’s website. The online committee application can be found on the Town Committees main webpage.
• We are working on making it more friendly in the Town Hall by cleaning up our lobby and public spaces.  We will be opening recruitments for staff positions soon, including a Senior Planner.

The Council moved on to the Consent Agenda (~7:30pm) consisting of items a to c. Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council.  Included in this month's Consent Agenda were the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2025; the review and acceptance of the Warrant List of October 8, 2025; and consideration of adoption of a resolution granting consent to the County of Santa Cruz to establish the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Improvement District (SCMWID) and include the Town of Portola Valley in the SCMWID.

Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council pulled all items for a separate discussion and vote. All items were approved.

Next up was Regular Agenda, which consisted of three items.

Item No. 7a (~7:44pm) was the Mid-Year San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Report by Captain Frank Dal Porto. The Council asked questions of the presenter.  The public can view the powerpoint online and can also view the report online.  As this was only a report presentation, no action was taken by the Council.

Item No. 7b (~8:50pm) was the consideration of adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between the County of San Mateo and the Town of Portola Valley for a One-Year Term Commencing on July 1, 2025. The Council asked questions and discussed the item, then voted to adopt the Resolution with a modification to the title and last sentence to authorize the Mayor to work with the Town Manager to negotiate and to execute a one-year agreement.

Item No. 7c (~9:55pm) was the Ad-Hoc Housing Element Post-Adoption Plan Town Council Subcommittee update. The Subcommittee provided a report on the status of the Plan. The Council asked questions and discussed the item. As this was only an update, no action was taken by the Council.

The last item on the Agenda was the Subcommittee, Liaison Committee, and Regional Agency Report. (~10:34 pm).

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 10:34 pm, that as they say - was a wrap! 

The next meeting of the City Council is a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 22 at 7 pm.

For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website.

Thanks for reading!
 
Darcy Smith
Town Manager
Town of Portola Valley
dsmith@portolavalley.net   

That’s a Wrap! - After Action Report Town Council Meeting of September 24, 2025 

Council Meeting Date: September 24, 2025 (full Agenda link) 

Video Link: Town Council Meeting Video Recording 

Details of each item can be found in the Agenda 

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 7 pm. Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with a Presentation for the acceptance of the Eagle Scout Plaque for Town Archives. This was continued to the next meeting as the Plaque was not available. There were no presentations. 

The Town Manager Report included the following information:

• Thank you to the Parks & Recreation Committee and all the volunteers who helped make the Zotts to Tots Run and the Town Picnic a success. It was a great community event to bring the Town together.
• The last Neighborhood Clean-Up Day of 2025 will be October 4 from 8 to 11 am at Town Hall.
• I have a quick announcement on emergency preparedness. The Town is committed to maintaining high standards for public safety through the anticipation of, and preparation for the potential of all-hazards including but not limited to wildland fires, flooding, earthquakes, etc. The Town partners with the Woodside Fire Protection District and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office – relying on a collaborative multi-agency approach to emergency preparedness and response in its incorporated jurisdictional area. 
• Fire Prevention Week is coming up on October 5–11, so watch for more information about this important week.

There were no Public Comments so the Council moved on to the Consent Agenda (~7:07pm) consisting of items a to c. Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council.  Included in this month's Consent Agenda were the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025; the review and acceptance of the Warrant List of September 24, 2025; and consideration of the approval of an Amendment to the Town of Portola Valley Conservation Committee Charter.  

Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council approved the items on the Consent Agenda, with item b being pulled for a separate discussion and vote.  

Next up was Regular Agenda, which consisted of two items.  

Item No. 7a (~7:11pm) was the consideration of acceptance of the FY 2021-22 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Council reviewed Report (commonly referred to as the Town “Audits"), and expressed support for its completion. They reinforced the expectation that the Town Audit will be completed annually in the future in compliance with the requirements of State law, and recognition that the Town staff needs to continue to make timely progress on the completion of the past audits.  

Item No. 7b (~8:14pm) was the verbal update from the Revenue Enhancement Options Subcommittee. A report was provided by Vice Mayor Taylor and Councilmember Wolter. The Subcommittee explained that the Town has commissioned McGuire Research and Godbe Research to conduct a scientific survey of important local issues – it is a valid survey. Responses are entirely confidential and will be used for research purposes only. The Town is interested in resident’s opinions.    

The last item on the Agenda was the Subcommittee, Liaison Committee, and Regional Agency Report. (~8:42 pm).  

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 8:46 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!  

The next meeting of the City Council is a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 8 at 7 pm.  

For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website. 

Thanks for reading! 
 
Darcy Smith 
Town Manager 
Town of Portola Valley 
dsmith@portolavalley.net

Town Manager Blog Post - September 20, 2025

Zotts to Tots and the Town Picnic 

I had the pleasure of being the race starter for the annual Zott's to Tot's Run on September 20, 2025. Watching over 550 participants gather at the starting line, I was reminded of why this event has become such a beloved tradition in the community.

The race started back in 1979, and nearly five decades later, it continues to bring our town together. This year's record-breaking turnout of over 550 participants proves that this tradition only grows stronger with time. The run takes participants from Zott's on Alpine Inn to the Town Center on Portola Road, where the annual Town Picnic awaited. Once runners crossed the finish line, the celebration kicked into high gear with live music from a local band and a dunk tank that was an absolute hit—especially with the kids who kept the line going all afternoon.

This event showcases the heart of our community—neighbors volunteering, families making memories, and everyone celebrating what makes our town special. Whether you ran, walked, or came to cheer and enjoy the picnic, you were part of something meaningful.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible. From course marshals to setup crews, your dedication ensures this tradition continues to thrive.

Here's to many more years of bringing our community together, one step at a time!

That’s a Wrap! - After Action Report Town Council Meeting of September 10, 2025 

Council Meeting Date: September 10, 2025 (full Agenda link) 

Video Link: Town Council Meeting Video Recording 

Details of each item can be found in the Agenda 

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7 pm. Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with a Proclamation designating September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month.  

The Town Manager Report included the following information:

• Please join us on Saturday, September 20th for two fun Town events brought to you by the Parks & Recreation Committee. The Zotts to Tots Run starts at 10am followed by the Town Picnic at 11am. You can register for the run at the town website.
• We recognize the importance of the annual town finance audits. The Fiscal Year 2021-22 draft audit and financial statements will be presented to the Town Council on September 24, 2025.

There were no presentations; the Council moved to Public Comments.

Following Public Comments at (~7:10 pm), the Council moved on to the Consent Agenda (~7:12pm) consisting of items a to d. Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2025; consideration of the acceptance of the Updated Reimbursement Policy; and consideration of the appointment of Mayor Judith Hasko as the Voting Delegate, and Vice Mayor Craig Taylor and Councilmember Mary Hufty as the Alternate Delegates to represent the Town of Portola Valley at the Annual General Assembly at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference 

Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council approved the items on the Consent Agenda, with items a and d being pulled for a separate discussion and vote.  

Next up was the Regular Agenda.  

The Regular Agenda consisted of two items. Mayor Hasko recused herself from both items due to her ownership of property located within the established California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) regulation conflict of interest zone of the Willow Commons Project site. 

Item No. 8a (~7:15pm) was the consideration of adoption of a Resolution appropriating $70,026.76 for Town Planning Fees from the Town of Portola Valley Affordable Housing Fund to Jim White and Patty White for the Willow Commons Housing Project owned by IACPV LLC at 4388 Alpine Road and determining the Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act. Following a Staff Report and opportunity for Public Comment, the Council asked questions and discussed the item. Then, they took action to approve the Resolution (4-0, with 1 recusal).  

Item No. 8b (~7:32 pm) was to consider adoption of a Resolution appropriating up to $3.5 Million from the Town of Portola Valley Affordable Housing Fund to Jim White and Patty White for the Willow Commons Housing Project owned by IACPV LLC at 4388 Alpine Road, authoring the Town Manager to enter into an Affordable Housing Grant Agreement, and determining the Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act. Following a Staff Report, Public comments were accepted (~8:11pm) and then closed (~8:45pm). Then, the Council asked questions and discussed the use of the Affordable Housing Fund, potential funding amounts, a potential future framework for funding requests, and how the action on this specific Project would not set a precedent for any future funding considerations.  

The Council took action to approve the Resolution appropriating $1.35M from the Town of Portola Valley Affordable Housing Fund (4-0, with 1 recusal). 

The last item on the Agenda was the Subcommittee, Liaison Committee, and Regional Agency Report. (~9:46 pm).  

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:51 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!  

The next meeting of the City Council is a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 pm.  

For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website. 

Thanks for reading! 
 
Darcy Smith 
Town Manager 
Town of Portola Valley 
dsmith@portolavalley.net

That’s a Wrap! - After Action Report Town Council Meeting of August 27, 2025 

Council Meeting Date: August 27, 2025 (full Agenda link) 

Video Link: Town Council Meeting Video Recording 

Details of each item can be found in the Agenda 

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 7 pm. Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with a Proclamation for the Alpine Little League 12U All-Star Team participation in the Little League West Regional Tournament.

There were no presentations; the Council moved to Public Comments. 

The Town Manager Report included the following information: 

• Next Thursday, September 4th at 4pm, Supervisor Ray Mueller will hold office hours with Mayor Hasko. This will be followed by the final Portola Valley Summer Concert Series at the Town Center starting at 5:30 pm.
• Please mark your calendars on Saturday, September 20^th for two fun Town events brought to you by the Parks & Recreation Committee. The Zotts to Tots Run starts at 10am followed by the Town Picnic at 11am. You can register for the run at the town website.
• We recognize the importance of the annual town finance audits. From now on, I will give an update to the community every month. The Fiscal Year 2021-22 draft audit and financial statements were reviewed by the Finance Committee yesterday with a unanimous vote to recommend approval to the Town Council. It will be presented to the Town Council on September 24, 2025.
• The fiscal year 2022-23 audit is anticipated to be provided to the town in December 2025 or January 2026. The fiscal year 2023-24 audits should be provided in June or July 2026. Finally, we should have a draft of the financial statements for fiscal year 2024-25 by September 2026. The fiscal year 2025-26 proforma statements should be completed then as well.

Following Public Comments at (~7:11 pm), the Council moved on to the Consent Agenda (~7:15pm) consisting of items a to c. Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were the approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23, 2025; the review and acceptance of the Warrant List of August 27, 2025; and Adoption of a Resolution to accept and appropriate MTC Funds in the amount of $317,000 for EV Charger Project. Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council approved the items on the Consent Agenda.

Next up was the Study Session, which was moved ahead of the Regular Item on the agenda to facilitate public participation on this topic.

The Study Session agenda consisted of one item - Item No. 8a - to receive information and provide direction to staff and the Town Council Subcommittee regarding opinion research for revenue enhancement options for the November 2026 Ballot (~7:25 pm). Following a staff report by Finance Director Tony McFarlane and questions by the Council, there was opportunity for Public Comment. Then the Council discussed and provided direction on specific items to be included in a future community survey.

Council took a short recess and reconvened at approximately 9:48pm for the Regular Agenda, which consisted of one item, the review of the report from the Safety and Resilience Subcommittee on Objectives. The Council reviewed the preliminary draft list, asked questions, and provided general direction. This item will return to the Council at a future meeting for additional review.

The last item on the Agenda was the Subcommittee, Liaison Committee, and Regional Agency Report. (~11:02 pm).

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 11:06 pm, that as they say - was a wrap! 

The next meeting of the City Council is a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 7 pm.

For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website. 

Thanks for reading! 
 
Darcy Smith 
Town Manager 
Town of Portola Valley 
dsmith@portolavalley.net