Agenda packet — Portola Valley City Council, December 10, 2025

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Regular Meeting of the Town Council
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
7:00 PM
MAYOR: Judith Hasko
VICE MAYOR: Craig Taylor
COUNCILMEMBERS: Rebecca Flynn, Mary Hufty, Helen Wolter

A G E N D A
HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSE - 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 Remote Public Comments: Meeting participants are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. Please submit your public comments by using the online form, by 1:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Time permitting, your correspondence will be uploaded to the website. All received questions will be forwarded to the Portola Valley Town Council for consideration during the meeting and included in the public record. Members of the public may also provide comments in person at the meeting. The agenda and staff report will be posted on the Town’s website by approximately 5:00 PM the Friday prior to the meeting. Additionally, technology permitting, the public body will take questions using the Raise Hand button for those who attend the meeting online or by phone. The Mayor will call on people to speak by the phone number calling in. Remote participation is provided as a supplemental way to provide public comment, but this method does not always work. The public is encouraged to attend in person to ensure full participation.

In-Person Public Comments: Please fill out and submit a Public Comment card to the Town Clerk or Mayor prior to speaking. The Mayor will call your name at the appropriate time. Each speaker's time is limited to three (3) minutes. The Mayor reserves the right to limit speaker's time, depending upon the number of speakers or other circumstances.

Assistance for People with Disabilities: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Town Clerk at (650) 851-1700 or by email at [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Town to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION VIA ZOOM
To access the meeting by computer:
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Passcode: 048294
To access the meeting by phone:
1-669-900-6833 or 1-888-788-0099 (toll-free)
Mute/Unmute - Press *6 / Raise Hand - Press *9
1 1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

2. A.B. 2449 CONSIDERATIONS: Announcements/Consideration and approval of request to attend remotely by Town Council, pursuant to AB 2449 (just cause and emergency circumstances).

3. REPORT OUT FROM RECENT CLOSED SESSIONS

4. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS

5. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
There are no written materials, and the Town Council does not take action under this agenda item.

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Town Council on any subject may do so now. Please submit a speaker’s slip located at the front of the room to the Town Clerk or Mayor, prior to speaking. Please note the Council is not able to undertake extended discussion or action on items not on the agenda. Each speaker’s time is limited to three (3) minutes.

7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2025 b. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2025 c. Consider Appointment of Patricia Murray to the Town Trails and Paths Committee d. Warrant List for December 10, 2025
e. Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On-Call Building Permit Technician Consulting services with Shums Coda Associates f. Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On-Call Geotechnical and Engineering Services with Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. g. Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On-Call Planning Services with Good City Company
h. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Updating the Authorized Check Signers on Town Accounts at Technology Credit Union
i. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Authorization for the Transfer of Funds
j. Resolution authorizing Charles Schwab to add the Town Manager as an authorized agent of the Charles Schwab account

8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Town Council Reorganization
b. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Ratifying Ordinance No. 14-2025 of the Woodside Fire Protection District, which Adopts the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Specified Appendices, and as Modified by Local Amendments, and Determining that the Project is Exempt under the California Environmental 2 Quality Act (CEQA)
c. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Adopting the Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan and Determining that the Project is Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES REPORTS Oral and written reports arising out of Council subcommittee and liaison appointments to both in-town and regional committees and initiatives. The Town Council does not take action under this agenda item.
a. 11/13/2025 C/CAG Governing Board Meeting
b. 11/20/2025 Peninsula Clean Energy Committee Meeting
c. 12/02/2025 Conservation Committee Meeting

10. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Town Council meeting will be held on December 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Land Acknowledgement:

The Town of Portola Valley acknowledges the colonial history of this land we dwell upon the unceded territory of the Ramaytush (rah-my-toosh) Ohlone, Tamien Nation, and Muwekma (mah-WEK- mah) Ohlone, who endured a human and cultural genocide that included removal from their lands and their sacred relationship to the land. Portola Valley recognizes that we profit from the commodification of land seized from indigenous peoples and now bear the ecological consequences. We seek to understand the impact of these legacies on all beings and to find ways to make repair. 3 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Approve Special Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2025

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Town Council review and approve the November 12, 2025 special meeting minutes.

ATTACHMENTS

1. 11-12-2025 Council Special Minutes CS.docx
4 Volume 47
November 12, 2025

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PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 12, 2025

1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Hasko called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Roll was taken by the Clerk.

Present: Councilmembers Rebecca Flynn, Mary Hufty, Helen Wolter, Vice Mayor Craig Taylor, Mayor Judith Hasko

Absent: None
Others: Town Manager Darcy Smith, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Former Interim Town Manager Mark Linder, Town Clerk Veronica Dao

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Hasko invited public comments on the agenda items. None were received.

3. CLOSED SESSION
The Council went into Closed Session at 5:33 p.m. to discuss the following:
a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Govt. Code Section 54957) Three-Month Check In
Title: Town Manager Darcy Smith
b. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Govt. Code Section 54957) Title: Town Attorney Catherine Engberg

4. ADJOURNMENT
The Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:00 p.m. and announced it would continue its session after the regular meeting.

Following the adjournment of the regular meeting, Council went back into closed session at 10:35 p.m.

The Council reconvened from Closed Session and adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:05 p.m.
________________________ ______________________
Judith Hasko, Mayor Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
Submitted for approval to the Town Council at its December 10, 2025 regular meeting. 5 Attachment 1

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2025

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Town Council review and approve the November 12, 2025 regular meeting minutes.

ATTACHMENTS

1. 11-12-2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes.docx
6 Volume 47
November 12, 2025

Page 1 ends

PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 12, 2025

1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Hasko called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Roll call was taken by the Clerk.

Present: Councilmembers Helen Wolter, Rebecca Flynn, Mary Hufty, Vice Mayor Craig Taylor, Mayor Judith Hasko

Absent: None
Others: Town Manager Darcy Smith, Assistant Town Manager Corie Stocker-Pedalino, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Finance Director Anthony McFarlane, Interim Planning and Building Director Steve McHarris, Town Clerk Veronica Dao

2. A.B. 2449 CONSIDERATIONS: Announcements/Consideration and approval of request to attend remotely by Town Council, pursuant to AB 2449 (just cause and emergency circumstances) --None.

3. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Town Attorney Engberg reported that Council met in Closed Session earlier regarding two items, performance evaluations of Town Manager and Town Attorney. There was nothing to report out and Council would return to Closed Session following the regular meeting.

4. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Mid-Peninsula Open Space District Annual Presentation Joshua Hugg, MROSD, provided an informational presentation.

5. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Smith updated the Council on the following:
 San Mateo County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
 Local Road Safety Plan
 Parent coffee talk on e-bikes at Corte Madera School
 Planning and Building department improvements to service  Finance department working on financial audits
 Townhall closure for Thanksgiving holiday
7 Attachment 1
Volume 47
November 12, 2025

Page 2 ends

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.

Public Comment
 Karen Askey

7. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.

Public Comment
 Kristi C.

Consent Agenda item 7c was pulled for separate discussion and action.

Motion and second (Flynn, Hufty) to approve Consent Agenda items 7a & 7b. The motion carried 4-0-1 by voice vote, with Vice Mayor Taylor abstaining.

Motion and second (Taylor, Flynn) to approve Consent Agenda 7d. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Motion and second (Hufty, Taylor) to approve Consent Agenda 7c. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
a. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2025
b. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2025
c. Warrant List for November 12, 2025
d. Consider Adoption of a Resolution Appointing a Director and an Alternate Director to Serve on the Board of Directors of Pooled Liability Assurance Network Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (PLAN JPA) on Behalf of the Town of Portola Valley

8. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Hold Public Hearing and Consider Introduction of an Ordinance to Adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Local Amendments Interim Planning and Building Director McHarris presented the item.

Mayor Hasko invited public comment. None were received.

Council asked questions and discussed the item.
8 Volume 47
November 12, 2025

Page 3 ends

Motion and second (Taylor, Hufty) to adopt the 2025 state regulations and amend Section 13 Green Building Code to delete part C of subsection 4.106.5 and delete subsection 4.305. The motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.

9. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Receive Presentation on the Community Survey from Godbe Research Bryan Godbe, Godbe Research, provided an information presentation on survey results.

Mayor Hasko invited public comment.

Public Comment
 Karen Askey
No action was taken.
b. Update by Town Council Safety Element Subcommittee
Councilmember Flynn introduced and presented the item.

Mayor Hasko invited public comment. None were received.

No action was taken.
c. Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for the Portola Valley Safety Element Update with Urban Planning Partners, Inc.

Interim Planning and Building Director McHarris presented the item.

Mayor Hasko invited public comment. None were received.

Motion and second (Hufty, Taylor) to authorize the mayor to execute the contract.

The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

10. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES

REPORTS
Councilmembers reported on several local and regional meetings they attended recently.

Mayor Hasko invited public comment.

Public Comment
 David Cardinal
9 Volume 47
November 12, 2025

Page 4 ends

Councilmember Flynn noted a correction to the 10/25/2025 Peninsula Clean Energy Committee Meeting liaison report to clarify they would be moving to a new office in 2026.

11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m. and Council returned to Closed Session at 10:35 p.m.
_________________________ _________________________
Judith Hasko, Mayor Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
Submitted for approval to the Town Council at its December 10, 2025 regular meeting. 10 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Appointment of Patricia Murray to the Town Trails and Paths Committee

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council consider and appoint Patricia Murray to the Trails and Paths Committee.

BACKGROUND
The Trails and Paths Committee currently have one vacancy. The committee received two applications.

After discussion with the Mayor, the Chair recommends appointing Patricia Murray.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Committee Application
11 12
Attachment 1
______________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Tony McFarlane, Finance Director
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Warrant List for December 10, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review and accept the combined Warrant Lists for November 19 and December 10, 2025:
11/19/2025 Warrant List
12/10/2025 Warrant List

REPORT SUMMARY
The following table lists warrant activity by date, tracks starting and ending warrant numbers, and total amount of warrants issued.

The following table lists payments by fund.

Date
Ending
Warrant #
Warrant 11/19/2025 5594 5595 2 25,000.00 11/19/2025 11/12/2025 5593 Warrant 12/10/2025 5596 5660 65 376,697.31 12/11/2025 11/19/2025 5595 Attached are Warrant Lists for:

Prior Warrant List
Type of Warrant Date
Starting
Warrant #
Ending
Warrant #
Total
Warrants Amount
Warrants
Released
Fund Date Amount
General 12/10/2025 266,596.09
Library 12/10/2025 1,110.27
Gas Tax 12/10/2025 2,128.09
Measure M 12/10/2025 2,390.00
Inclusion In-lieu 12/10/2025 12,440.00
Capital Projects 12/10/2025 4,344.92
WHRMD 12/10/2025 78,207.01
Customer Deposits 12/10/2025 34,480.93
Total $ 401,697.31
Payments by Fund

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
13

Page 2 ends

Warrant List December 10, 2025
The following table lists the warrants issued as EFT/ACH payments. EFT/ACH payments are recurring payments for contributions related to retirement and deferred compensation, workers’ compensation premiums, and utilities, etc.

The following table lists the warrants that were voided and the reason for the voided transaction.

The following table lists the warrants issued outside of the scheduled warrant list cycle for various reasons, such as processing error, reissuing a voided check, or employee separation.

DISCLOSURE
Individual warrants were prepared due to a request from the Woodside Highlands Road Maintenance District due to an emergency drain repair located at 127 Tynan Way. Given the urgency of the repair and the timing of the scheduled warrant lists around the holidays it was necessary to issue these individual warrants to Alpine Construction outside of the scheduled warrant list. These warrants will be distributed to the contractor upon submission of progress invoices as agreed upon between the contractor, district, and the finance director.

For additional information on any item disclosed in this report, please contact the Finance department directly at [email protected].

ATTACHMENTS

1. 12/10/2025 Warrant List Certification
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount
12/10/2025 5597 Bank of America 101 Various Nov CC purchases 11,334.60$ 12/10/2025 5599 CalPERS 101 Various Nov Contributions/Dec UAL 34,484.42 12/10/2025 5608 Missionsquare Retirememt 101 Various Nov Employee Contributions 2,365.54 12/10/2025 5615 Navia Benefit Solutions 101 Various Nov Employee Deductions 686.66 12/10/2025 5619 PERS Health 101 Various Dec Health Premium 18,043.45 12/10/2025 5620 PG&E 101 610 Nov Utilities 3,545.88
12/10/2025 5629 State Comp Insurance Fund 101 Various Dec W/C Premium 1,560.08 12/10/2025 5631 Verizon Wireless 101 610 Nov Plan Charges 855.52 12/10/2025 5645 Amazon Capital Services 101 610 Nov/Dec Office Supplies 597.51 Warrants issued as ACH/EFT
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Reason Amount
Warrants Voided and Reissued
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount
11/19/2025 5594 Teresa Godfrey 505 620 Deposit Refund - 127 Tynan Way 1,000.00$ 11/19/2025 5595 Alpine Construction 505 620 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 24,000.00 Warrants Issued Outside of a Scheduled Warrant List Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount 11/19/2025 5594 Teresa Godfrey 505 620 Deposit Refund - 127 Tynan Way 1,000.00$ 11/19/2025 5595 Alpine Construction 505 620 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 24,000.00$ 12/10/2025 5641 Alpine Construction 505 620 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 20,000.00$ 12/10/2025 5642 Alpine Construction 505 620 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 20,000.00$ 12/10/2025 5640 Alpine Construction 505 620 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 8,781.54$ Disclosure
14 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Warrant Disbursement Journal
December 10, 2025
Claims totaling $401,697.31 having been duly examined by me and found to be correct are hereby approved and verified by me as due bills against the Town of Portola Valley.

Date _____________________________ ________________________________ Corie Stocker, Assistant Town Manager
Motion having been duly made and seconded, the above claims are hereby approved and allowed for payment.

Signed and sealed this (Date) _____________________
_______________________________ _________________________________ Anthony McFarlane, Finance Director Mayor
15 Attachment
apadatecr2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:50 Page 1 A/P Check Register Checks from 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Vendor Name Net Check Check CheckNumber Date Amount Status Type Cash Account: 910-11011-000
5594 11/19/25 TERESA GODFREY 1,000.00 O Regular5595 11/19/25 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 24,000.00 O Regular5596 12/10/25 AT&T 305.29 O Regular5597 12/10/25 BANK OF AMERICA 11,334.60 R EFTPS5598 12/10/25 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO 8,088.43 O Regular5599 12/10/25 CALPERS 34,484.42 R EFTPS5600 12/10/25 CAPIO 300.00 O Regular5601 12/10/25 CINTAS 1,266.89 O Regular5602 12/10/25 SCA OF CA, LLC 4,190.00 O Regular5603 12/10/25 COMCAST 237.02 O Regular5604 12/10/25 CSG CONSULTANTS INC 45,474.93 O Regular5605 12/10/25 GEORG SCHUELE 164.04 O Regular5606 12/10/25 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS 228.00 O Regular5607 12/10/25 HILLYARD INC 796.68 O Regular5608 12/10/25 MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT 2,365.54 R EFTPS5609 12/10/25 INTERSTATE TRAFFIC CNTRL 328.09 O Regular5610 12/10/25 JEANNIE GOLDMAN 11,787.00 O Regular5611 12/10/25 KUTZMANN & ASSOCIATES 4,166.00 O Regular5612 12/10/25 LYNGSO GARDEN MATERIALS INC 2,622.82 O Regular5613 12/10/25 LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC 1,050.00 O Regular5614 12/10/25 MIRANDAS LANDSCAPE 628.00 O Regular5615 12/10/25 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 686.66 R EFTPS5616 12/10/25 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 200.00 O Regular5617 12/10/25 NOLTE ASSOCIATES INC 12,181.50 O Regular5618 12/10/25 O. NELSON & SON INC. 1,048.61 O Regular5619 12/10/25 PERS HEALTH 18,043.45 R EFTPS5620 12/10/25 PG&E 3,545.88 R EFTPS5621 12/10/25 PINNACLE BUILDING & DESIGN 1,000.00 O Regular5622 12/10/25 PLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES 4,936.68 O Regular5623 12/10/25 PORTOLA VALLEY HARDWARE 237.15 O Regular5624 12/10/25 RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC. 1,956.34 O Regular5625 12/10/25 SANGINI MAJMUDAR BEDNER 1,000.00 O Regular5626 12/10/25 SITEIMPROVE 3,878.41 O Regular5627 12/10/25 SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT PLAN TR 2,303.00 O Regular5628 12/10/25 STANDARD INSURANCE CO. 543.13 O Regular5629 12/10/25 STATE COMP INSURANCE FUND 1,560.08 R EFTPS5630 12/10/25 SWRCB - STATE WATER RESOURCES 7,279.00 O Regular5631 12/10/25 VERIZON WIRELESS 855.52 R EFTPS5632 12/10/25 WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR 31,394.98 O Regular5633 12/10/25 GOT GOPHERS? 1,050.00 O Regular5634 12/10/25 FRANKLIN CROW 90.83 O Regular5635 12/10/25 URBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC 12,440.00 O Regular5636 12/10/25 TERESA GODFREY 3,533.10 O Regular5637 12/10/25 ALESSANDRO MORUZZI 1,020.00 O Regular 16 apadatecr2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:50 Page 2 A/P Check Register Checks from 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Vendor Name Net Check Check CheckNumber Date Amount Status Type 5638 12/10/25 STEPFORD 4,541.50 O Regular5639 12/10/25 ICMA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS 1,200.00 O Regular5640 12/10/25 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 8,781.54 O Regular5641 12/10/25 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 20,000.00 O Regular5642 12/10/25 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 20,000.00 O Regular5643 12/10/25 SHUTE, MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 20,237.50 O Regular5644 12/10/25 STERICYCLE, LNC. DBA SHRED-LT 368.93 O Regular5645 12/10/25 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 597.51 R EFTPS5646 12/10/25 SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES 9,787.50 O Regular5647 12/10/25 WIZIX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. 162.16 O Regular5648 12/10/25 ELIZABETH MARTELLI 269.90 O Regular5649 12/10/25 MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP, LTD 2,400.00 O Regular5650 12/10/25 DAVID FLORES 531.20 O Regular5651 12/10/25 GODBE CORPORATION 33,200.00 O Regular5652 12/10/25 CITY OF HALF MOON BAY 130.00 O Regular5653 12/10/25 JOHN FADELY 4,314.00 O Regular5654 12/10/25 PAULINE FUNCHAIN 398.00 O Regular5655 12/10/25 THREE PILLARS FOUNDATION 1,000.00 O Regular5656 12/10/25 THOMAS LEEMHUIS 1,000.00 O Regular5657 12/10/25 WOODSIDE HIGH SCHOOL FNDTN 1,000.00 O Regular5658 12/10/25 AMS.NET 138.00 O Regular5659 12/10/25 JEAN ISAACSON 637.50 O Regular5660 12/10/25 COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL 5,400.00 O Regular apadatecr2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:50 Page 2 A/P Check Register Checks from 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
58 Checks total: 328,223.65
0 ACH total:9 EFTPS total: 73,473.660 Wire transfer total:0 Payment Manager total:
67 GRAND TOTALS 401,697.31
17 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 1 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
Fund 101 Dept Balance SheetAMS.NET 101-21013-000-000000 Business License 138.00 5658 12/10/25 Over Payment Refund CALPERS 101-21032-000-000000 October Retirement- 10,324.88 5599 12/10/25

CLASSIC
CALPERS 101-21032-000-000000 October Retirement- 10,179.62 5599 12/10/25 PEPRA
MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT 101-21036-000-000000 Deferred Comp - Nov 1,182.77 5608 12/10/25 15, 2025
MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT 101-21036-000-000000 Deferred Comp - Nov 1,182.77 5608 12/10/25 30, 2025
NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 101-21033-000-000000 Navia Benefit 343.33 5615 12/10/25 11/15/2025
NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 101-21033-000-000000 Navia Benefit 343.33 5615 12/10/25 11/30/2025
SANGINI MAJMUDAR BEDNER 101-21051-000-000000 Deposit Refund - 1,000.00 5625 12/10/25 Special Event Alpine Little League THOMAS LEEMHUIS 101-21051-000-000000 Deposit Refund - 1,000.00 5656 12/10/25 Community Hall THREE PILLARS FOUNDATION 101-21051-000-000000 Deposit Refund - 1,000.00 5655 12/10/25 Community Hall WOODSIDE HIGH SCHOOL FNDTN 101-21051-000-000000 Deposit Refund - 1,000.00 5657 12/10/25 Community Hall --------------
Fund 101 Dept Total 27,694.70
Fund 101 Dept 110 Town CouncilCITY OF HALF MOON BAY 101-65013-110-000000 Council Dinner 130.00 5652 12/10/25 Judith Hasko andMary Hufty
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 110 Total 130.00
Fund 101 Dept 115 Town CommitteesO. NELSON & SON INC. 101-63205-115-000000 Sand Delivered 1,048.61 5618 12/10/25 --------------
Fund 101 Dept 115 Total 1,048.61
Fund 101 Dept 120 Town ManagerBANK OF AMERICA 101-65012-120-000000 October Credit Card 1,070.00 5597 12/10/25 Statement
18 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 2 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
BANK OF AMERICA 101-65014-120-000000 October Credit Card 1,275.00 5597 12/10/25 Statement
CAPIO 101-65014-120-000000 FY25-26 CAPIO 300.00 5600 12/10/25 Membership Dues Elizabeth M
ICMA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS 101-65014-120-000000 FY25-26 Membership 1,200.00 5639 12/10/25 Renewal Darcy SmithPERS HEALTH 101-55021-120-000000 December Health 8,459.94 5619 12/10/25SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT PLAN TR 101-55024-120-000000 Dental/Vision 2,303.00 5627 12/10/25STANDARD INSURANCE CO. 101-55031-120-000000 LTD/Life Premium 543.13 5628 12/10/25STATE COMP INSURANCE FUND 101-55033-120-000000 Premium Surcharges 1,560.08 5629 12/10/25 11/06/2025-12/06/2026
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 120 Total 16,711.15
Fund 101 Dept 125 Town AttorneySHUTE, MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 101-62032-125-000000 Oct Legal Service 20,237.50 5643 12/10/25 --------------
Fund 101 Dept 125 Total 20,237.50
Fund 101 Dept 130 Town ClerkPERS HEALTH 101-55021-130-000000 December Health 1,113.79 5619 12/10/25 --------------
Fund 101 Dept 130 Total 1,113.79
Fund 101 Dept 140 FinanceBANK OF AMERICA 101-65014-140-000000 October Credit Card 100.00 5597 12/10/25 Statement
PERS HEALTH 101-55021-140-000000 December Health 6,043.82 5619 12/10/25 --------------
Fund 101 Dept 140 Total 6,143.82
Fund 101 Dept 220 Fire ServicesWOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR 101-62047-220-000000 10/01/25-10/31/25 17,727.40 5632 12/10/25 Fire MitigationCrew Support
WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR 101-62047-220-000000 11/01/25-11/30/25 13,667.58 5632 12/10/25 Fire MitigationCrew Support
19 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 3 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 220 Total 31,394.98
Fund 101 Dept 310 Planning DivisionCSG CONSULTANTS INC 101-62099-310-000000 Code Enforcement, 6,900.00 5604 12/10/25 Inspections, Plan & Bldg, Permit Tech LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC 101-62305-310-000000 GIS Professional 600.00 5613 12/10/25 Services in Oct 2025
LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC 101-62305-310-000000 GIS Professional 450.00 5613 12/10/25 Services in Nov 2025
SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES 101-62099-310-000000 Sr Permit Tech 4,893.75 5646 12/10/25 Services providedby SCA for Oct
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 310 Total 12,843.75
Fund 101 Dept 320 Building DivisionCSG CONSULTANTS INC 101-62099-320-000000 Code Enforcement, 8,640.00 5604 12/10/25 Inspections, Plan & Bldg, Permit Tech
101-62099-320-000000 4,437.50 5604 12/10/25101-62099-320-000000 3,570.00 5604 12/10/25101-62099-320-000000 6,900.00 5604 12/10/25 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS 101-62305-320-000000 Nov Hosting & Acces 114.00 5606 12/10/25 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS 101-62305-320-000000 Dec Hosting & Acces 114.00 5606 12/10/25 SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES 101-62099-320-000000 Sr Permit Tech 4,893.75 5646 12/10/25 Services providedby SCA for Oct
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 320 Total 28,669.25
Fund 101 Dept 330 Code ComplianceCSG CONSULTANTS INC 101-62099-330-000000 Code Enforcement, 2,025.00 5604 12/10/25 Inspections, Plan & Bldg, Permit Tech
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 330 Total 2,025.00
Fund 101 Dept 410 Community HallALESSANDRO MORUZZI 101-63013-410-000000 Winter- Fall 2025 1,020.00 5637 12/10/25 20 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 4 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
Classes
CINTAS 101-61051-410-000000 Replenish First-Aid 633.65 5601 12/10/25 CabinetsDAVID FLORES 101-63013-410-000000 Spring 2025 Classes 531.20 5650 12/10/25JEANNIE GOLDMAN 101-63013-410-000000 FALL 2025 Classes 11,787.00 5610 12/10/25 Final
PAULINE FUNCHAIN 101-43121-410-000000 CPASS Refund 398.00 5654 12/10/25 Receipt # 042619179
PERS HEALTH 101-55021-410-000000 December Health 289.58 5619 12/10/25 PLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES 101-61051-410-000000 Janitorial Services 1,081.49 5622 12/10/25 - Nov 2025
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 410 Total 15,740.92
Fund 101 Dept 420 Field RentalsGOT GOPHERS? 101-61055-420-000000 Town Fields Gopher 1,050.00 5633 12/10/25 Trapping- Nov 2025 LYNGSO GARDEN MATERIALS INC 101-61055-420-000000 Organic Compost, 2,622.81 5612 12/10/25 Redwood Sawdust,Organic Feather Meal
101-61055-420-000000 .01 5612 12/10/25
MIRANDAS LANDSCAPE 101-61055-420-000000 Oct Irrigation 628.00 5614 12/10/25 Landscape Services --------------
Fund 101 Dept 420 Total 4,300.82
Fund 101 Dept 510 Public WorksHILLYARD INC 101-62011-510-000000 Janitorial Supplies 796.68 5607 12/10/25 NOLTE ASSOCIATES INC 101-62037-510-000000 Oct 25 Applicant 183.00 5617 12/10/25 Charges & PW Support
PERS HEALTH 101-55021-510-000000 December Health 1,185.53 5619 12/10/25PLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES 101-61054-510-000000 Janitorial Services 2,296.91 5622 12/10/25 - Nov 2025
PLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES 101-62011-510-COVD19 Janitorial Services 448.01 5622 12/10/25 - Nov 2025. Fridays disinfection svcs
PORTOLA VALLEY HARDWARE 101-62014-510-000000 November Statement 237.15 5623 12/10/25 Tools
RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC. 101-61081-510-000000 1987 Ford Econoline 1,430.73 5624 12/10/25 E150
RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC. 101-61081-510-000000 Oct Fuel Statement 525.61 5624 12/10/25SWRCB - STATE WATER RESOURCES 101-61021-510-000000 Annual Permit Fees 7,279.00 5630 12/10/25 FY25 - 26
--------------
Fund 101 Dept 510 Total 14,382.62
21 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 5 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
Fund 101 Dept 610 Non-DepartmentalAMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 101-62301-610-000000 Work Phone Case 8.52 5645 12/10/25AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 101-62301-610-000000 Disposable Paper 22.25 5645 12/10/25 Cups Eco Friendly AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 101-62301-610-000000 Check Printer 545.31 5645 12/10/25 Toner, PrinterToners
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 101-62301-610-000000 Analog Wall Clock 21.43 5645 12/10/25 Non-Ticking Battery Operated
AT&T 101-62021-610-000000 October Statement 61.27 5596 12/10/25AT&T 101-62021-610-000000 October Statement 182.75 5596 12/10/25AT&T 101-62021-610-000000 October Statement 61.27 5596 12/10/25BANK OF AMERICA 101-62305-610-000000 October Credit Card 2,986.22 5597 12/10/25 Statement
101-62301-610-000000 802.26 5597 12/10/25
101-62399-610-000000 756.20 5597 12/10/25
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO 101-62022-610-000000 Water Service 690.26 5598 12/10/25 10/10/25 - 11/7/25
101-62022-610-000000 3,247.13 5598 12/10/25101-62022-610-000000 521.74 5598 12/10/25 101-62022-610-000000 151.78 5598 12/10/25101-62022-610-000000 3,373.82 5598 12/10/25 101-62022-610-000000 62.22 5598 12/10/25101-62022-610-000000 41.48 5598 12/10/25 CALPERS 101-55011-610-000000 November UAL CLASSI 13,579.75 5599 12/10/25CALPERS 101-55011-610-000000 November UAL PEPRA 400.17 5599 12/10/25CINTAS 101-62301-610-000000 Replenish First-Aid 633.24 5601 12/10/25 CabinetsCOLLIERS INTERNATIONAL 101-62099-610-000000 Parking Lot 5,400.00 5660 12/10/25 Appraisal ServicesCOMCAST 101-62021-610-000000 WIFI-11.21.2025-12. 237.02 5603 12/10/25

0.2025
ELIZABETH MARTELLI 101-62399-610-000000 Staff Lunch 269.90 5648 12/10/25 Reimbursement
GODBE CORPORATION 101-62099-610-000000 Polling Services 33,200.00 5651 12/10/25 2025
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP, LTD 101-62099-610-000000 Comprehensive Fee 2,400.00 5649 12/10/25 Study & DevelopmentImpact Fee Study
NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 101-55025-610-000000 Nov 2025 Monthly Fe 200.00 5616 12/10/25PERS HEALTH 101-55021-610-000000 December Health 950.79 5619 12/10/25PG&E 101-62022-610-000000 PG&E Oct Usage 582.10 5620 12/10/25 101-62022-610-000000 14.78 5620 12/10/25
101-62022-610-000000 2,838.98 5620 12/10/25101-62022-610-000000 110.02 5620 12/10/25 SITEIMPROVE 101-62305-610-000000 Subscription 3,878.41 5626 12/10/25 Service Fee, 22 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 6 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
01/15/2026 -01/14/2027
STEPFORD 101-62046-610-000000 Monthly Service 3,920.00 5638 12/10/25 Charges 12/01/2025THRU 12/31/2025
STEPFORD 101-62305-610-000000 Veeam Backup and 621.50 5638 12/10/25 Replication for Disaster Recovery - Dec 25
STERICYCLE, LNC. DBA SHRED-LT 101-62301-610-000000 Paper Shredding 239.90 5644 12/10/25 Services STERICYCLE, LNC. DBA SHRED-LT 101-62301-610-000000 Paper Shredding 129.03 5644 12/10/25 Services VERIZON WIRELESS 101-62021-610-000000 November Cellular 855.52 5631 12/10/25WIZIX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. 101-62301-610-000000 Printer 162.16 5647 12/10/25 --------------
Fund 101 Dept 610 Total 84,159.18
--------------
Fund 101 Total 266,596.09
Fund 205 Dept 510 Public WorksPLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES 205-61054-510-000000 Janitorial Services 1,110.27 5622 12/10/25 - Nov 2025
--------------
Fund 205 Dept 510 Total 1,110.27
--------------
Fund 205 Total 1,110.27
Fund 206 Dept 510 Public WorksINTERSTATE TRAFFIC CNTRL 206-61013-510-000000 Custom Community & 328.09 5609 12/10/25 Emergency Info
SCA OF CA, LLC 206-61012-510-000000 October 900.00 5602 12/10/25 Litter/Street Clean
SCA OF CA, LLC 206-61012-510-000000 November 900.00 5602 12/10/25 Litter/Street Clean
--------------
Fund 206 Dept 510 Total 2,128.09
--------------
Fund 206 Total 2,128.09
23 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 7 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
Fund 212 Dept 510 Public WorksSCA OF CA, LLC 212-61017-510-000000 October 1,195.00 5602 12/10/25 Litter/Street Clean
SCA OF CA, LLC 212-61017-510-000000 November 1,195.00 5602 12/10/25 Litter/Street Clean
--------------
Fund 212 Dept 510 Total 2,390.00
--------------
Fund 212 Total 2,390.00
Fund 222 Dept 310 Planning DivisionURBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC 222-62099-310 PVHE2 Housing 5,692.50 5635 12/10/25 Element AmendmentsOct 25
URBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC 222-62099-310 PVHE2 Housing 6,747.50 5635 12/10/25 Element AmendmentsNov 25
--------------
Fund 222 Dept 310 Total 12,440.00
--------------
Fund 222 Total 12,440.00
Fund 401 Dept 730 FacilitiesBANK OF AMERICA 401-73011-730-ITUPTH October Credit Card 4,344.92 5597 12/10/25 Statement
--------------
Fund 401 Dept 730 Total 4,344.92
--------------
Fund 401 Total 4,344.92
Fund 505 Dept 620 Road Maintenance DistrictsALPINE CONSTRUCTION 505-62311-620 Alpine Construction 24,000.00 5595 11/19/25 127 Tynan Way Drain RepairALPINE CONSTRUCTION 505-62311-620 Alpine Construction 8,781.54 5640 12/10/25 - Final Invoice 3 24 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 8 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 505-62311-620 Alpine Construction 20,000.00 5641 12/10/25 - Progress Invoice 1ALPINE CONSTRUCTION 505-62311-620 Alpine Construction 20,000.00 5642 12/10/25 - Progress Invoice 2FRANKLIN CROW 505-62311-620 WHRMD RAC Trinity 90.83 5634 12/10/25 Lane SafetyImprovements
GEORG SCHUELE 505-62311-620 WHRMD RAC Pothole 164.04 5605 12/10/25 Repair
JEAN ISAACSON 505-62311-620 WHRMD RAC FALL 25 637.50 5659 12/10/25 Road Cleanup
TERESA GODFREY 505-62311-620 Alpine Construction 1,000.00 5594 11/19/25 Deposit ReimbursementTERESA GODFREY 505-62311-620 Reimb. WHRMD 6 104.55 5636 12/10/25 Redwood Debris BoxService
TERESA GODFREY 505-62311-620 Reimb. WHRMD Rd 3,324.00 5636 12/10/25 Cleanup Labor FALL2025
TERESA GODFREY 505-62311-620 Reimb. WHRMD Rd 104.55 5636 12/10/25 Cleanup OverweightDumpster
--------------
Fund 505 Dept 620 Total 78,207.01
--------------
Fund 505 Total 78,207.01
Fund 701 Dept 340 Customer DepositsCSG CONSULTANTS INC 701-62041-340 Code Enforcement, 2,400.00 5604 12/10/25 Inspections, Plan & Bldg, Permit Tech
701-62041-340 10,602.43 5604 12/10/25
JOHN FADELY 701-63012-340 Deposit Refund - 41 4,314.00 5653 12/10/25 Stonegate Rd
KUTZMANN & ASSOCIATES 701-62041-340 Oct 25 Plan Checks 4,166.00 5611 12/10/25NOLTE ASSOCIATES INC 701-62038-340 Oct 25 Applicant 11,998.50 5617 12/10/25 Charges & PW Support
PINNACLE BUILDING & DESIGN 701-62325-340 Deposit Refund - 1,000.00 5621 12/10/25 501 Portola Rd #20B
--------------
Fund 701 Dept 340 Total 34,480.93
25 apackfnd2 Town of Portola Valley amcfarlane 12/04/2025 16:52 Page 9 Checks by Fund - 11/13/25 to 12/10/25
Vendor Name Account Invoice Invoice Amount Check Check
Compressed Description Number DateFormatted
--------------
Fund 701 Total 34,480.93
--------------
**** Grand Total 401,697.31
* * * End of Report * * *
26 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 1
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 731 TERESA GODFREY
11/19/25 5594 Alpine Construction Deposit Reimbursement 1,000.00 1,000.00 11192025 Vendor: 906 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION
5595 Alpine Construction 127 Tynan Way Drain Repair 24,000.00 24,000.00 11192025 Check Date Totals 25,000.00
Vendor: 41 AT&T
12/10/25 5596 October Statement 305.29 61.27 000024325949 October Statement 182.75 000024325950October Statement 61.27 000024325951 Vendor: 44 BANK OF AMERICA
5597 October Credit Card Statement 11,334.60 11,334.60 1388-OCT25 Vendor: 78 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO
5598 Water Service 10/10/25 - 11/7/25 8,088.43 8,088.43 OCT-2025 Vendor: 80 CALPERS
5599 November UAL CLASSIC 34,484.42 13,579.75 100000018107042 November UAL PEPRA 400.17 100000018107051October Retirement- CLASSIC 10,324.88 100000018057991October Retirement- PEPRA 10,179.62 100000018058016 Vendor: 82 CAPIO
5600 FY25-26 CAPIO Membership Dues Elizabeth M 300.00 300.00 25818 Vendor: 105 CINTAS
5601 Replenish First-Aid Cabinets 1,266.89 1,266.89 9348193409 Vendor: 121 SCA OF CA, LLC
5602 October Litter/Street Clean 4,190.00 2,095.00 CA25003341 November Litter/Street Clean 2,095.00 CA25003997
Vendor: 124 COMCAST
5603 WIFI-11.21.2025-12.20.2025 237.02 237.02 1945-DEC25 Vendor: 135 CSG CONSULTANTS INC
5604 Code Enforcement, Inspections, Plan & Bldg, Permit Tech 45,474.93 45,474.93 OCT-2025 Vendor: 189 GEORG SCHUELE
5605 WHRMD RAC Pothole Repair 164.04 164.04 REIMB_WHRMD-1 27 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 2
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 203 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS
5606 Nov Hosting & Access 228.00 114.00 6118
Dec Hosting & Access 114.00 6183
Vendor: 213 HILLYARD INC
5607 Janitorial Supplies 796.68 796.68 606006363
Vendor: 218 MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT
5608 Deferred Comp - Nov 15, 2025 2,365.54 1,182.77 NOV-202515 Deferred Comp - Nov 30, 2025 1,182.77 NOV-202530
Vendor: 227 INTERSTATE TRAFFIC CNTRL
5609 Custom Community & Emergency Info 328.09 328.09 273251 Vendor: 245 JEANNIE GOLDMAN
5610 FALL 2025 Classes Final 11,787.00 11,787.00 FALL-2025 FINAL Vendor: 276 KUTZMANN & ASSOCIATES
5611 Oct 25 Plan Checks 4,166.00 4,166.00 2724220
Vendor: 293 LYNGSO GARDEN MATERIALS INC
5612 Organic Compost, Redwood Sawdust, Organic Feather Meal 2,622.82 2,622.82 57453 57471 Vendor: 295 LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC
5613 GIS Professional Services in Oct 2025 1,050.00 600.00 10519 GIS Professional Services in Nov 2025 450.00 10537
Vendor: 324 MIRANDAS LANDSCAPE
5614 Oct Irrigation Landscape Services 628.00 628.00 2556 Vendor: 330 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS
5615 Navia Benefit 11/15/2025 686.66 343.33 11152025
Navia Benefit 11/30/2025 343.33 11302025
Vendor: 330 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS
5616 Nov 2025 Monthly Fee 200.00 200.00 11039326
Vendor: 334 NOLTE ASSOCIATES INC
5617 Oct 25 Applicant Charges & PW Support 12,181.50 12,181.50 OCT-2025 Vendor: 337 O. NELSON & SON INC.
5618 Sand Delivered 1,048.61 1,048.61 272
Vendor: 364 PERS HEALTH
28 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 3
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
12/10/25 5619 December Health 18,043.45 18,043.45 100000018124669 Vendor: 367 PG&E
5620 PG&E Oct Usage 3,545.88 3,545.88 OCT-2025
Vendor: 372 PINNACLE BUILDING & DESIGN
5621 Deposit Refund - 501 Portola Rd #20B 1,000.00 1,000.00 BLDR0208-2025 Vendor: 375 PLATINUM FACILITY SERVICES
5622 Janitorial Services - Nov 2025 4,936.68 4,488.67 51876 Janitorial Services - Nov 2025. Fridays disinfection svcs 448.01 51877 Vendor: 376 PORTOLA VALLEY HARDWARE
5623 November Statement Tools 237.15 237.15 193-NOV25
Vendor: 403 RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC.
5624 Oct Fuel Statement 1,956.34 525.61 G20251031-2
1987 Ford Econoline E150 1,430.73 81951
Vendor: 413 SANGINI MAJMUDAR BEDNER
5625 Deposit Refund - Special Event Alpine Little League 1,000.00 1,000.00 PRCH-25-55 Vendor: 434 SITEIMPROVE
5626 Subscription Service Fee, 01/15/2026 - 01/14/2027 3,878.41 3,878.41 USI-00010739 Vendor: 437 SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT PLAN TR
5627 Dental/Vision 2,303.00 2,303.00 DEC-2025
Vendor: 445 STANDARD INSURANCE CO.
5628 LTD/Life Premium 543.13 543.13 2025-NOV
Vendor: 448 STATE COMP INSURANCE FUND
5629 Premium Surcharges 11/06/2025-12/06/2026 1,560.08 1,560.08 1003223359 Vendor: 459 SWRCB - STATE WATER RESOURCES
5630 Annual Permit Fees FY25 - 26 7,279.00 7,279.00 SW-0322454 Vendor: 489 VERIZON WIRELESS
5631 November Cellular 855.52 855.52 6129409656
Vendor: 505 WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR
5632 10/01/25-10/31/25 Fire Mitigation Crew Support 31,394.98 17,727.40 WFPDCREW-202510 11/01/25-11/30/25 Fire Mitigation Crew Support 13,667.58 WFPDCREW-202511 29 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 4
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 518 GOT GOPHERS?
5633 Town Fields Gopher Trapping- Nov 2025 1,050.00 1,050.00 94950 Vendor: 551 FRANKLIN CROW
5634 WHRMD RAC Trinity Lane Safety Improvements 90.83 90.83 REIMB_WHRMD-1 Vendor: 730 URBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC
5635 PVHE2 Housing Element Amendments Oct 25 12,440.00 5,692.50 25030-251031 PVHE2 Housing Element Amendments Nov 25 6,747.50 25030-251130 Vendor: 731 TERESA GODFREY
5636 Reimb. WHRMD 6 Redwood Debris Box Service 3,533.10 104.55 REIMB_WHRMD-6 Reimb. WHRMD Rd Cleanup Labor FALL 2025 3,324.00 REIMB_WHRMD-7Reimb. WHRMD Rd Cleanup Overweight Dumpster 104.55 REIMB_WHRMD-8 Vendor: 740 ALESSANDRO MORUZZI
5637 Winter- Fall 2025 Classes 1,020.00 1,020.00 CLASS-RECON2025 Vendor: 860 STEPFORD
5638 Monthly Service Charges 12/01/2025 THRU 12/31/2025 4,541.50 3,920.00 2502286 Veeam Backup and Replication for Disaster Recovery - Dec 25 621.50 2502287 Vendor: 872 ICMA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
5639 FY25-26 Membership Renewal Darcy Smith 1,200.00 1,200.00 11242025 Vendor: 906 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION
5640 Alpine Construction - Final Invoice 3 8,781.54 8,781.54 FINAL INV3 Vendor: 906 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION
5641 Alpine Construction - Progress Invoice 1 20,000.00 20,000.00 PROGRESS INV1 Vendor: 906 ALPINE CONSTRUCTION
5642 Alpine Construction - Progress Invoice 2 20,000.00 20,000.00 PROGRESS INV2 Vendor: 1016 SHUTE, MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP
5643 Oct Legal Service 20,237.50 20,237.50 OCT-25-SMW
Vendor: 1118 STERICYCLE, LNC. DBA SHRED-LT
5644 Paper Shredding Services 368.93 239.90 8012448336
Paper Shredding Services 129.03 8012736796
Vendor: 1152 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC
5645 Analog Wall Clock Non-Ticking Battery Operated 597.51 21.43 1XJK-QRDJ-77G7 Disposable Paper Cups Eco Friendly 22.25 1C71-76N9-K6YF 30 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 5
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
12/10/25 5645 Check Printer Toner, Printer Toners 597.51 545.31 1NK6-H14N-JHRQ Work Phone Case 08.52 16J4-LPXV-3VCY
Vendor: 1204 SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES
5646 Sr Permit Tech Services provided by SCA for Oct 9,787.50 9,787.50 11736 Vendor: 1216 WIZIX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
5647 Printer 162.16 162.16 544650
Vendor: 1223 ELIZABETH MARTELLI
5648 Staff Lunch Reimbursement 269.90 269.90 FRRS-25-5
Vendor: 1224 MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP, LTD
5649 Comprehensive Fee Study & Development Impact Fee Study 2,400.00 2,400.00 1 Vendor: 1261 DAVID FLORES
5650 Spring 2025 Classes 531.20 531.20 SPRING-2025
Vendor: 1290 GODBE CORPORATION
5651 Polling Services 2025 33,200.00 33,200.00 12914
Vendor: 1296 CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
5652 Council Dinner Judith Hasko and Mary Hufty 130.00 130.00 11212025 Vendor: 1297 JOHN FADELY
5653 Deposit Refund - 41 Stonegate Rd 4,314.00 4,314.00 PLNFNCE00122025 Vendor: 1298 PAULINE FUNCHAIN
5654 CPASS Refund Receipt # 042619179 398.00 398.00 042619179 Vendor: 1299 THREE PILLARS FOUNDATION
5655 Deposit Refund - Community Hall 1,000.00 1,000.00 PRCH-25-46 Vendor: 1300 THOMAS LEEMHUIS
5656 Deposit Refund - Community Hall 1,000.00 1,000.00 PRCH-25-49 Vendor: 1301 WOODSIDE HIGH SCHOOL FNDTN
5657 Deposit Refund - Community Hall 1,000.00 1,000.00 PRCH-25-38 Vendor: 1302 AMS.NET
5658 Business License Over Payment Refund 138.00 138.00 BL-22-287 Vendor: 1303 JEAN ISAACSON
5659 WHRMD RAC FALL 25 Road Cleanup 637.50 637.50 REIMB_WHRMD-1 31 .
apapdinv2 amcfarlane Town of Portola Valley Page 6
16:56 12/04/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 11/13/2025 to 12/10/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 1304 COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL
5660 Parking Lot Appraisal Services 5,400.00 5,400.00 SJC250091 Check Date Totals 376,697.31
Grand Total 401,697.31
32 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Steve McHarris, Extra Help - Special Planning and Building Projects DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On-Call Building Permit Technician Consulting services with Shums Coda Associates

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council, by motion, authorize the Mayor or their designee to Professional Consultant Services Agreement (Attachment 1) for a 12-month period in an amount not to exceed $120,000 for on-call building permit technician consulting services with Shums Coda Associates from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026

BACKGROUND
The FY 25-26 Budget includes a budget for on-call building permit technician consulting services. The Town’s Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Shums Coda Associates has expired, and thus a new agreement is needed .

DISCUSSION
Shums Coda Associates has successfully provided on-call building permit technician consulting services for the Town Planning and Building Department since August 2024. In recent months, this service has proven invaluable to the identification and implementation of process improvements, implementing the EnerGov permit software, and expediting permit applications. These services are particularly beneficial with the current Town Permit Technician vacancy.

The new agreement identifies an end term of June 30, 2026, which provides staff time to complete recruitment of the in-house Permit Technician position and assess implementation of the EnerGov permit system progress later in the fiscal year fiscal year.

FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for on-call services is available in the FY 2025-26 adopted Town Budget for the Planning and Building Department. Most of these services are related to Planning and Building permit processing which is funded under contract professional services and also available through salary savings of the two recently vacant p ositions in the department. As a reference, this professional service is budgeted at $75,000 and the vacant building technician and planning positions are budgeted at $11,700 and $15,600 per month respectively.

ATTACHMENTS
33 1. Agreement Between the Town of Portola Valley and Shums Coda Associates 34 1

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL BUILDING

PERMIT TECHNICIAN CONSULTING SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this __ day of __________, ____ by and between the Town of Portola Valley, a municipal corporation, (“Town”) and Shums Coda Associates Consultant. (“Consultant”).

RECITALS
A. The Town desires to retain the professional consulting services of Consultant as an independent contractor to provide On-Call Permit Technician/Consulting services to the Town, as described in more detail in Exhibit A.

B. Consultant represents that it is fully qualified to perform such services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of performance by the parties of the promises, covenants and conditions contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE AND LEVEL OF SERVICES. The nature, scope and level of the specific services to be performed by Consultant are as set forth in detail in Exhibit A attached hereto.

2. [RESERVED]

3. STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE. As a material inducement to the Town to enter into this Agreement, Consultant hereby represents and warrants that it has the qualifications and experience necessary to undertake the services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall perform all work to the highest professional standards and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Town. Consultant hereby covenants that it shall follow the highest professional standards in performing all services required hereunder and will perform the services to a standard of reasonable professional care.

4. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. All services rendered hereunder by Consultant shall be provided in accordance with all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules and regulations of the Town, and any federal, state or local governmental agency having jurisdiction in effect at the time the service is rendered.

5. TERM. This Agreement is effective on July 1, 2025 and shall remain in effect until June 30, 2026, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 17, below.

6. COMPENSATION. The Town agrees to compensate Consultant for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B, to a maximum of one hundred twenty thousand ($120,000). The Town also agrees to compensate Consultant for its out-of-pocket expenses to the extent authorized in Exhibit B. In no event shall the total 35 Attachment
2 compensation and costs payable to consultant under this Agreement exceed the sum of one hundred twenty thousand ($120,000), unless specifically approved in writing by the Town Council.

7. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Consultant shall invoice the Town for work performed after each task is completed as set forth in Exhibit A. Payments to Consultant by Town shall be made within thirty (30) days after receipt by Town of Consultant’s itemized invoices.

8. REPRESENTATIVE. Christine Godinez is hereby designated as the representative of Consultant authorized to act on its behalf with respect to the services specified herein. It is expressly understood that the experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of Christine Godinez were a substantial inducement for Town to enter into this Agreement. Therefore, Christine Godinez shall be responsible during the term of this Agreement for directing all activities of Consultant and devoting sufficient time to personally supervise the services hereunder. The representative may not be changed by Consultant without the express written approval of the Town.

9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Consultant is, and shall at all times remain as to the Town, a wholly independent contractor and not an agent or employee of Town. Consultant shall receive no premium or enhanced pay for work normally understood as overtime, nor shall Consultant receive holiday pay, sick leave, administrative leave, or pay for any other time not actually worked. The intention of the parties is that Consultant shall not be eligible for benefits and shall receive no compensation from the Town except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall have no power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of the Town or otherwise act on behalf of the Town as an agent. Neither the Town, nor any of its agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant’s employees, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall at no time, or in any manner, represent that it or any of its agents or employees are in any manner employees of the Town. Consultant agrees to pay all required taxes on amounts paid to Consultant under this Agreement, and to indemnify and hold the Town harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against the Town by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement. Consultant shall fully comply with the worker’s compensation law regarding Consultant and Consultant’s employees. Consultant further agrees to indemnify and hold the Town harmless from any failure of Consultant to comply with applicable worker’s compensation laws. The Town shall not have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement any amount due to Town from Consultant as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay the Town any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this Section.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY. Consultant, in the course of its duties, may have access to financial, accounting, statistical and personal data of private individuals and employees of the Town. Consultant covenants that all data, documents, discussion, or other information developed and received by Consultant or provided for performance of this Agreement are deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by Consultant without written authorization by the Town. The Town shall grant such authorization if disclosure 36 3
is required by law. Upon request, all Town data shall be returned to the Town upon the termination of this Agreement. Consultant’s covenant under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

11. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIAL. All reports, documents, or other written materials developed or discovered by Consultant or any other person engaged directly or indirectly by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement shall be and remain the property of the Town without restriction or limitation upon its use or dissemination by the Town.

12. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Consultant covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which may be affected by the services to be performed by Consultant under this Agreement, or which would conflict in any manner with the performance of its services hereunder. Consultant further covenants that, in performance of this Agreement, no person having any such interest shall be employed by it. Furthermore, Consultant shall avoid the appearance of having any interest which would conflict in any manner with the performance of its services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant agrees not to accept any employment or representation during the term of this Agreement which is or may make Consultant “financially interested” (as provided in California Government Code Sections 1090 and 87100) in any decision made by the Town on any matter in connection with which Consultant has been retained pursuant to this Agreement. Nothing in this section shall, however, preclude Consultant from accepting other engagements with the Town.

13. ASSIGNABILITY; SUBCONTRACTING. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of Consultant are material considerations for this Agreement.

Consultant shall not assign, transfer, or subcontract any interest in this Agreement, nor the performance of any of Consultant’s obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Town Council, and any attempt by Consultant to do so shall be void and of no effect and a breach of this Agreement.

14. INDEMNIFICATION.

14.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the Town) and hold harmless the Town, and its elective or appointive boards, officers, employees, agents and volunteers against any claims, losses, or liability that may arise out of or result from damages to property or personal injury received by reason of, or in the course of work performed under this Agreement due to the acts or omissions of Consultant or Consultant’s officers, employees, agents or subcontractors. The provisions of this Section survive completion of the services or the termination of this Agreement. The acceptance of such services shall not operate as a waiver of such right of indemnification.

14.2 With regard to Consultant’s professional services, Consultant agrees to use that degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised under similar circumstances by members of Consultant’s profession, including without limitation adherence to all applicable safety standards. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the Town) and hold harmless 37 4
the Town, and its elective or appointive boards, officers, and employees from and against all liabilities, including without limitation all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, and judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses, and defense costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and costs of alternative dispute resolution regardless of nature or type that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, reckless, or willful misconduct of Consultant or Consultant’s officers, employees, agents or subcontractors. The provisions of this Section survive completion of the services or the termination of this Agreement. The acceptance of said services and duties by Town shall not operate as a waiver of such right of indemnification.

14.3 The Town does not and shall not waive any rights that they may possess against Consultant because of the acceptance by the Town or the deposit with the Town of any insurance policy or certificate required pursuant to this Agreement. This hold harmless and indemnification provision shall apply regardless of whether or not any insurance policies are determined to be applicable to the claim, demand, damage, liability, loss, cost or expense.

15. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Consultant agrees to have and maintain the policies set forth in Exhibit D entitled “INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS,” which is attached hereto and incorporated herein. All policies, endorsements, certificates, and/or binders shall be subject to approval by the Town Attorney as to form and content. These requirements are subject to amendment or waiver only if so approved in writing by the Town Attorney. Consultant agrees to provide Town with a copy of said policies, certificates, and/or endorsements before work commences under this Agreement. A lapse in any required amount or type of insurance coverage during this Agreement shall be a breach of this Agreement.

16. SUSPENSION. The Town may, in writing, order Consultant to suspend all or any part of Consultant’s services under this Agreement for the convenience of the Town, or for work stoppages beyond the control of the Town or the Consultant. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement relating to termination, a suspension of work does not void this Agreement. In the event that work is suspended for a period exceeding 120 days, the schedule and cost for completion of the work will be adjusted by mutual consent of the parties.

17. TERMINATION.

17.1 This Agreement may be terminated by either the Town or Consultant following thirty (30) days written notice of intention to terminate. In the event the Agreement is terminated, Consultant shall be paid for any services properly performed to the last working day the Agreement is in effect. Consultant shall substantiate the final cost of services by an itemized, written statement submitted to the Town. The Town’s right of termination shall be in addition to all other remedies available under law to the Town.

17.2 In the event of termination, Consultant shall deliver to the Town copies of all reports, documents, computer disks, and other work prepared by Consultant 38 5
under this Agreement, if any. If Consultant’s written work is contained on a hard computer disk, Consultant shall, in addition to providing a written copy of the information on the hard disk, immediately transfer all written work from the hard computer disk to a flash drive or similar device and deliver said device to Town. Town shall not pay Consultant for services performed by Consultant through the last working day the Agreement is in effect unless and until Consultant has delivered the above described items to the Town.

18. CONSULTANT’S BOOKS AND RECORDS. Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services, supplies, materials, or equipment provided to Town for a minimum period of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.

Acceptance by the Town of the performance of any work or services by Consultant shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement. In no event shall the Town’s making of any payment to Consultant constitute or be construed as a waiver by the Town of any breach of this Agreement, or any default which may then exist on the part of Consultant, and the making of any such payment by the Town shall in no way impair or prejudice any right or remedy available to the Town with regard to such breach or default.

20. NOTICES. Any notices, bills, invoices, reports or other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing by personal delivery, by facsimile transmission with verification of receipt or by U.S. mail, postage prepaid, and return receipt requested, addressed to the respective parties as follows:

To Town:

Town Manager
Town of Portola Valley
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Fax: (650) 851-4677
To Consultant:

Christine Godinez
Chief Operating Officer
Shums Coda Associates
5776 Stoneridge Mall Road #150
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Fax: (___) _______________
Notice shall be deemed communicated on the earlier of actual receipt or forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. mail, the date of delivery shown on deliverer’s receipt, or by acknowledgment of facsimile transmission.

21. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. In the performance of this Agreement, Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee, subcontractor or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, 39 6
religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap, or medical condition. Consultant will take affirmative action to ensure that employees are treated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap, or medical condition.

22. ATTORNEYS’ FEES; VENUE. In the event that any party to this Agreement commences any legal action or proceeding to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which the successful party may be entitled. The venue for any litigation shall be San Mateo County.

23. COOPERATION. In the event any claim or action is brought against the Town relating to Consultant’s performance or services under this Agreement, Consultant shall render any reasonable assistance and cooperation which Town might require.

24. EXHIBITS, PRECEDENCE. All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.

25. PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Agreement, and any other documents incorporated herein by specific reference, represent the entire and integrated agreement between the Town and Consultant. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral and written negotiations, representations or agreements. No prior oral or written understanding shall be of any force or effect with respect to those matters covered hereunder. This Agreement may only be modified by a written amendment duly executed by the parties to this Agreement. Any amendment relating to compensation for Consultant shall be for only a not-to-exceed sum.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town and Consultant have executed this Agreement effective as of the date written above.

TOWN: CONSULTANT:

By: _______________________
Mayor
By: _______________________
Name (printed):________________
Title: _______________________
EIN _______________________
ATTEST:
____________________________
Town Clerk
40 7
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Town Attorney
41 EXHIBIT A
(ON-CALL PERMIT TECHNICIAN/CONSULTING SERVICES)

1. Building - Plan Review and Inspection Services
The contract covers scope, responsibilities, and service levels for plan review (plan check) and inspection services for construction projects within the Town's jurisdiction.

This ensures public safety, compliance with applicable codes, and consistent enforcement of regulations.

Services shall be provided under the authority granted by:
• State Building Code
• Local Municipal Code
• Zoning Ordinance
• Health and Safety Regulations
• Fire Code
• Other applicable federal, state, or local laws

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Plan Review Services
The consultant shall provide the following services, on an as-needed basis:
• Perform services during the Senior Permit Technician position vacancy, including training Town staff on permit processes, basic building information, knowledge of permitting system and navigation.
• Conduct completeness reviews of permit application submissions; assessing fees for building, engineering, planning, fire, environmental health and geology; determining which reviews are required and routing of documents to the appropriate town staff and consultants.
• Coordination with other departments and agencies (Woodside Fire, Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Woodside Fire, San Mateo County agencies) as needed.
• Enter permit information into permitting software, maintenance of review workflow for reviewers, recording of review status and comment letters in permit system.
• Provide applicants with project information, sending out comment letters, and stamping of approval documents prior to issuance.
• Responsible for email correspondence in the Town’s planbuild email mailbox where all submittals are sent to along with general customer inquiries, etc. • Provide responsive customer service by phone, email, or meetings. • Continued process improvements, including but not limited to: updating forms and applications; creation of monthly reports for staff and council; involvement 42 with software enhancements utilized as a super user of software for staff training; and identifying issues in permitting processes and remedying. • Responsible for Green Halo ticket approvals. Processing refunds. • Monthly plan uploads to San Mateo County Assessor's portal. • Filing historical data into permitting system.
• Identify and implement improvements to the Energov permit system • permitting system
• Determine what is required/not required per the records retention schedule. • Daily check-ins/communications with staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

3. Performance Standards
• Code compliance shall be enforced consistently, objectively, and professionally. • All staff must be certified by appropriate bodies (ICC, state licensing boards). • Inspections shall be documented and tracked in the permitting system. • Customer service response within 24 hours for inquiries and scheduling. • Continuous improvement through training and updates to procedures and technology.

4. Coordination
• Planning & Building Department – zoning, setbacks, land use, tree removals. • Public Works/Engineering – grading, drainage, geology/soils, public ROW impacts.
• Woodside Fire Protection District – fire access, hydrants, alarms/suppression systems.
• San Mateo County Environmental Health – septic systems, wells, hazardous materials, commercial pools.
43 EXHIBIT B
(COMPENSATION)
Shums Coda Associates Hourly Rate Senior Permit Technician Services:
• 2025 - $75.00 per hour
• 2026 - $77.50 per hour
44 EXHIBIT C
(INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS)
Consultant shall procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to or interference with property which may arise from, or in connection with, the performance of the work hereunder and the results of that work by the Consultant, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

1. MINIMUM SCOPE OF INSURANCE. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1.1 Insurance Services Office Form No. CG 0001 covering General Liability and Commercial General Liability on an “occurrence” basis.

1.2 Insurance Services Office Form No. CA 0001 covering Automobile Liability, Code 1 (any auto), Code 8 (hired autos) or Code 9 (non-owned autos), if Consultant has no owned autos.

1.3 Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

1.4 Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance appropriate to the Consultant’s profession. Architects’ and Consultants’ coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability.

2. MINIMUM LIMITS OF INSURANCE. Consultant shall maintain limits no less than:

2.1 Comprehensive General Liability. (Including products-completed operations, personal & advertising injury) One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per claim and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

2.2 Automobile Liability. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

2.3 Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability. Workers’ compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

2.4 Errors and Omissions Liability. Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence.
45 3. DEDUCTIBLES AND SELF-INSURED RETENTIONS. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to, and approved by, the Town. At the option of the Town, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the Town, its officials, employees, agents and contractors; or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses in an amount specified by the Town. The Town ay require the Consultant to provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

4. OTHER INSURANCE PROVISIONS.

4.1 General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverages. The General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance policies required pursuant to Sections 1.1 and

1.2 shall contain or be endorsed contain the following provisions:

4.1.1 The Town, its officials, employees, agents, contractors and volunteers are covered as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by, or on behalf of, the Consultant including materials, parts or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations, and products and completed operations of the Consultant on premises owned, leased or used by the Consultant. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the Town, its officials, employees, agents and contractors.

4.1.2 The Consultant’s insurance coverage is the primary insurance as respects the Town, its officials, employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the Town, its officials, employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

4.1.3 The Insurance Company agrees to waive all rights of subrogation against the Town, its elected or appointed officers, officials, agents, and employees for losses paid under the terms of any policy which arise from work performed by the Town’s insurer.

4.1.4 Coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after thirty (30) days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment) by regular mail has been given to the Town.

4.1.5 Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to the Town, its officials, employees, agents or contractors.

4.1.6 Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
46 4.2 Worker’s Compensation Insurance. The Worker’s Compensation Policy required pursuant to Section 1.3 shall contain or be endorsed to contain the provision set forth in subsection 4.1.4 above.

4.3 Acceptability of Insurers. All required insurance shall be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the Town.

4.3 Claims Made Policies. If any of the required policies provide claimsmade coverage, the Town requires that coverage be maintained by Consultant for a period of 5 years after completion of the contract.

5. VERIFICATION OF COVERAGE. Consultant shall furnish the Town with original certificates, amendatory endorsements, and actual policies of insurance effecting coverage required by this clause. The certificates for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the Town before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive consultant’s obligation to provide them. The Town reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements affecting the coverage required by these specifications, at any time.

Proof of insurance shall be mailed to the following address:

Town of Portola Valley
Attn: Town Clerk
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028

6. SUBCONTRACTORS. Consultant shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall obtain separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor.
1821675.1
47 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Steve McHarris, Extra Help - Special Planning and Building Projects DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On-Call Geotechnical and Engineering Services with Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council, by motion, authorize the Mayor or their designee to Professional Consultant Services Agreement (Attachment 1) for a 12-month period in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for On-Call Planning Services with Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

BACKGROUND
The FY 25-26 Budget includes Planning services for day-to-day operations, which is not expected to change this fiscal year. A review of this agreement has revealed it requires renewal. In addition, the FY 25-26 Budget includes a Council priority for staff to focus on the challenges confronting the Planning and Building Department which are both organizational as well as service related. Staff is currently in the process of assessing development services in terms of in-house staffing, on-call contract staffing, and process effectiveness and efficiency.

DISCUSSION
A review of current Planning and Building agreements has revealed the current agreement with Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc., which included Town Geotechnical and Engineering Services (also referenced as the “Town Geologist”), has expired and requires a new agreement to be executed. However, staff has prepared a slightly modified agreement and includes a detailed Exhibit B - Scope of Services description.

Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. has successfully provided Town Geotechnical and Engineering services since the 1970s. They provide essential services to the Town and have deep expertise in the Town geotechnical conditions.

FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for on-call services is available in the FY 2025-26 adopted Town Budget for the Planning and Building Department. Most of these services are re lated to Planning and Building permit processing which is funded through application fees and deposits. These are applicant-paid pass-through costs, and from July 1 through October 31 amount to $40,458 (100% of Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. invoices for Planning and Building permit plan check services). Occasionally, Cotton Shires will perform services for Public Works which might apply to either the General Fund or the Gas Tax. The Public Works support work is 48 programmed in the adopted Town budget .

ATTACHMENTS

1. Agreement Between the Town of Portola Valley and Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. 49 Attachment
1 AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL GEOTECHNICAL

AND ENGINEERING SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this __ day of __________, ____ by and between the Town of Portola Valley, a municipal corporation, (“Town”) and Cotton Shires Associates, Inc. Consultant. (“Consultant”).

RECITALS
A. The Town desires to retain the professional consulting services of Consultant as an independent contractor to provide Geotechnical and Engineering services to the Town, as described in more detail in Exhibit A.

B. Consultant represents that it is fully qualified to perform such services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of performance by the parties of the promises, covenants and conditions contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE AND LEVEL OF SERVICES. The nature, scope and level of the specific services to be performed by Consultant are as set forth in detail in Exhibit A attached hereto.

2. [RESERVED]

Consultant hereby covenants that it shall follow the highest professional standards in performing all services required hereunder and will perform the services to a standard of reasonable professional care.

5. TERM. This Agreement is effective on July 1, 2025 and shall remain in effect until June 30, 2026, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 17, below.

6. COMPENSATION. The Town agrees to compensate Consultant for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B, to a maximum of one hundred fifty thousand ($150,000). The Town also agrees to compensate Consultant for its out-of-pocket expenses to the extent authorized in Exhibit B. In no event shall the 50 2
total compensation and costs payable to consultant under this Agreement exceed the sum of one hundred fifty thousand ($150,000), unless specifically approved in writing by the Town Council.

8. REPRESENTATIVE. John Wallace is hereby designated as the representative of Consultant authorized to act on its behalf with respect to the services specified herein. It is expressly understood that the experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of John Wallace were a substantial inducement for Town to enter into this Agreement. Therefore, John Wallace shall be responsible during the term of this Agreement for directing all activities of Consultant and devoting sufficient time to personally supervise the services hereunder. The representative may not be changed by Consultant without the express written approval of the Town.

Consultant shall have no power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of the Town or otherwise act on behalf of the Town as an agent. Neither the Town, nor any of its agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant’s employees, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall at no time, or in any manner, represent that it or any of its agents or employees are in any manner employees of the Town. Consultant agrees to pay all required taxes on amounts paid to Consultant under this Agreement, and to indemnify and hold the Town harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against the Town by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement.

Consultant shall fully comply with the worker’s compensation law regarding Consultant and Consultant’s employees. Consultant further agrees to indemnify and hold the Town harmless from any failure of Consultant to comply with applicable worker’s compensation laws. The Town shall not have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement any amount due to Town from Consultant as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay the Town any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this Section.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY. Consultant, in the course of its duties, may have access to financial, accounting, statistical and personal data of private individuals and employees of the Town. Consultant covenants that all data, documents, discussion, or other information developed and received by Consultant or provided for performance of this Agreement are deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by Consultant without written authorization by the Town. The Town shall grant such authorization if 51 3
disclosure is required by law. Upon request, all Town data shall be returned to the Town upon the termination of this Agreement. Consultant’s covenant under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

13. ASSIGNABILITY; SUBCONTRACTING. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of Consultant are material considerations for this Agreement.

14. INDEMNIFICATION.

14.2 With regard to Consultant’s professional services, Consultant agrees to use that degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised under similar circumstances by members of Consultant’s profession, including without limitation adherence to all applicable safety standards. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the Town) and hold harmless 52 4
the Town, and its elective or appointive boards, officers, and employees from and against all liabilities, including without limitation all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, and judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses, and defense costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and costs of alternative dispute resolution regardless of nature or type that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, reckless, or willful misconduct of Consultant or Consultant’s officers, employees, agents or subcontractors. The provisions of this Section survive completion of the services or the termination of this Agreement. The acceptance of said services and duties by Town shall not operate as a waiver of such right of indemnification.

This hold harmless and indemnification provision shall apply regardless of whether or not any insurance policies are determined to be applicable to the claim, demand, damage, liability, loss, cost or expense.

These requirements are subject to amendment or waiver only if so approved in writing by the Town Attorney. Consultant agrees to provide Town with a copy of said policies, certificates, and/or endorsements before work commences under this Agreement. A lapse in any required amount or type of insurance coverage during this Agreement shall be a breach of this Agreement.

17. TERMINATION.

17.2 In the event of termination, Consultant shall deliver to the Town copies of all reports, documents, computer disks, and other work prepared by Consultant under this Agreement, if any. If Consultant’s written work is contained on a hard computer disk, Consultant shall, in addition to providing a written copy of the information on the hard disk, immediately transfer all written work from the hard computer disk to a flash drive or similar device and deliver said device to Town. Town shall not pay Consultant for services performed by Consultant through the last working day the Agreement is in effect unless and until Consultant has delivered the above described items to the Town.

19. NON-WAIVER OF TERMS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. Waiver by either party of any breach or violation of any one or more terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other term or condition contained herein or a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of the same or any other term or condition. Acceptance by the Town of the performance of any work or services by Consultant shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement. In no event shall the Town’s making of any payment to Consultant constitute or be construed as a waiver by the Town of any breach of this Agreement, or any default which may then exist on the part of Consultant, and the making of any such payment by the Town shall in no way impair or prejudice any right or remedy available to the Town with regard to such breach or default.

To Town:

Town Manager
Town of Portola Valley
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Fax: (650) 851-4677
To Consultant:

John Wallace
Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc.
646 University Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Fax: (___) _______________
Notice shall be deemed communicated on the earlier of actual receipt or fortyeight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. mail, the date of delivery shown on deliverer’s receipt, or by acknowledgment of facsimile transmission. 54 6

21. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.

In the performance of this Agreement, Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee, subcontractor or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap, or medical condition. Consultant will take affirmative action to ensure that employees are treated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap, or medical condition.

The venue for any litigation shall be San Mateo County.

24. EXHIBITS, PRECEDENCE. All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.

25. PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town and Consultant have executed this Agreement effective as of the date written above.

TOWN: CONSULTANT:

By: _______________________
Mayor
By:

Name:(printed): John Wallace
Title: Principal Engineering Geologist
EIN _______________________
55 7
ATTEST:
____________________________
Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Town Attorney
56 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc

EXHIBIT A
(ON-CALL GEOTECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES)

1. Geotechnical and Engineering - Plan Review and Inspection Services The contract covers scope, responsibilities, and service levels for plan review (plan check) services for construction projects within the Town's jurisdiction. This ensures public safety, compliance with applicable codes, and consistent enforcement of regulations.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Plan Review Services
The consultant shall provide the following services, on an as-needed basis:
• Review of permit applications pursuant to the zoning, subdivision, site development and building ordinances. Review of other applications as may be required by the Town.
• Definition of the geologic and geotechnical engineering site conditions of each permit application and recommendation of the type and scope of geotechnical investigation(s) needed to evaluate any technical problems. • Critical review of engineering geologic and/or soil engineering reports submitted to the Town in support of any permit application. This may include site visits, as needed.
• Provision of recommendations for consideration by the Planning Commission and/or Council as conditions of approval for each.
• Attendance of Subdivision Committee meetings in regard to specific subdivision applications.

2.2 Types of Projects Reviewed:
• New residential and commercial buildings
• Additions and remodels
57 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Decks, pools, retaining walls
• Temporary structures
• Landscape and Hardscape Plan Review

3. Level of Service and Timelines - Plan Check Turnaround Times (Standard targets from the date of complete submittal)
Project Type First Review Re-Review
Single-Family Residential (minor) 10 business days 5 business days Single-Family Residential (new) 10 business days 5 business days Commercial Tenant Improvement 15 business days 10 business days New Commercial/Multi-Family 15 business days 10 business days Expedite Review (over-the-counter) 5 days 5 days
Note: Times may vary based on project complexity and completeness of submittal, and State regulatory requirements.

4. Coordination
• Planning & Building Department – as requested.
• Public Works/Engineering – grading, drainage, geology/soils, public ROW impacts.

5. Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Maintain digital records of all submitted plans, inspection reports, and approvals. • Annual reports on number of plan checks, permits issued. 58 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc

EXHIBIT B
(COMPENSATION)
See Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. Hourly Rate Sheet for Geotechnical and Engineering Service.
(COMPENSATION)
Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc.

Personnel 2025/26 FY
Principal Geologist/Engineer $210.00
Senior Geologist/Engineer $156.00
Staff Geologist/Engineer $131.00
59 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc

EXHIBIT C
(INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS)
Consultant shall procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to or interference with property which may arise from, or in connection with, the performance of the work hereunder and the results of that work by the Consultant, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

1. MINIMUM SCOPE OF INSURANCE. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1.1 Insurance Services Office Form No. CG 0001 covering General Liability and Commercial General Liability on an “occurrence” basis.

1.2 Insurance Services Office Form No. CA 0001 covering Automobile Liability, Code 1 (any auto), Code 8 (hired autos) or Code 9 (non-owned autos), if Consultant has no owned autos.

1.3 Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

1.4 Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance appropriate to the Consultant’s profession. Architects’ and Consultants’ coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability.

2. MINIMUM LIMITS OF INSURANCE. Consultant shall maintain limits no less than:

2.2 Automobile Liability. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

2.4 Errors and Omissions Liability. Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence.
60 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc

3. DEDUCTIBLES AND SELF-INSURED RETENTIONS. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to, and approved by, the Town. At the option of the Town, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or selfinsured retentions as respects the Town, its officials, employees, agents and contractors; or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses in an amount specified by the Town. The Town ay require the Consultant to provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

4. OTHER INSURANCE PROVISIONS.

4.1 General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverages. The General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance policies required pursuant to Sections 1.1 and 1.2 shall contain or be endorsed contain the following provisions:

4.1.4 Coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after thirty (30) days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment) by regular mail has been given to the Town.

4.1.5 Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to the Town, its officials, employees, agents or contractors.

4.1.6 Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
61 T:\Council Staff Reports-Deposit staff reports here\2025\12-10-2025\6g1 - Cotton Shires Contract FY2526.doc

4.2 Worker’s Compensation Insurance. The Worker’s Compensation Policy required pursuant to Section 1.3 shall contain or be endorsed to contain the provision set forth in subsection 4.1.4 above.

4.3 Acceptability of Insurers. All required insurance shall be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the Town.

4.3 Claims Made Policies. If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage, the Town requires that coverage be maintained by Consultant for a period of 5 years after completion of the contract.

All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the Town before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive consultant’s obligation to provide them. The Town reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements affecting the coverage required by these specifications, at any time.

Proof of insurance shall be mailed to the following address:

Town of Portola Valley
Attn: Town Clerk
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council, by motion, authorize the Mayor or their designee to Professional Consultant Services Agreement (Attachment 1) for a 12-month period in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for On-Call Planning Services with Good City Company from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

BACKGROUND
The FY 25-26 Budget includes Planning services for day-to-day operations, which is not expected to change this fiscal year. A review of this contract has revealed it requires renewal. In addition, the FY 25-26 Budget includes a Council priority for staff to focus on the challenges confronting the Planning and Building Department which are both organizational as well as service related. Staff is currently in the process of assessing development services in terms of in-house staffing, on-call contract staffing, and process effectiveness and efficiency.

DISCUSSION
A review of current Planning and Building contracts has revealed the current contract with Good City Company, which included both Planning and Building Official Services, has expired and requires extension. However, staff has prepared a slightly modified contract which limits the service to Planning Services only and includes a more detailed Exhibit B - Scope of Services description, than found in the previous Good City Company agreement.

Good City Company has successfully provided planning services since July 17, 2019. In addition to regular planning services, staff and Good City Company have addressed the recent in-house planner vacancy that is primarily funded through the full-time employee (now vacant) budgeted salary, as follows:

In-person contract planner familiar with Portola Valley is now available Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Town Hall for planning and zoning counter service.

Contract planner familiar with Portola Valley virtually available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays to monitor planning email at [email protected], and return phone calls.

Virtual appointments with a contract planner are available Monday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 pm - 2:00pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons 12:00pm to 2:00pm on the 63 Town’s Planning and Building Department web page. See:
https://www.portolavalley.net/departments/planning-building-department/planningbuilding-virtual-appointments New development applications are being assigned more evenly to address planner workload.

Applicants now have direct access to assigned contract planners (and building plan checkers) regarding planning and building permit applications.

Tree removal permits are now assigned to one contract planner.

The new agreement identifies an end term of June 30, 2026.

These are applicant-paid pass-through costs, and from July 1 through October 31 amount to $134,037 (74% of Good City invoices). The general planning and zoning public-facing work is programmed in the adopted Town Operating budget by both professional planning contract services, and vacant planner position salary/benefits, which from July 1 through October 31 amount to $46,916 (26% of Good City invoices).

ATTACHMENTS

1. Agreement Between the Town of Portola Valley and Good City Company 64 1

AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL PLANNING

SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this __ day of __________, ____ by and between the Town of Portola Valley, a municipal corporation, (“Town”) and Good City Company. (“Consultant”).

RECITALS
A. The Town desires to retain the professional consulting services of Consultant as an independent contractor to provide Planning services to the Town, as described in more detail in Exhibit A.

B. Consultant represents that it is fully qualified to perform such services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of performance by the parties of the promises, covenants and conditions contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE AND LEVEL OF SERVICES. The nature, scope and level of the specific services to be performed by Consultant are as set forth in detail in Exhibit A attached hereto.

2. [RESERVED]

5. TERM. This Agreement is effective on July 1, 2025 and shall remain in effect until June 30, 2026, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 17, below.

6. COMPENSATION. The Town agrees to compensate Consultant for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B, to a maximum of five hundred thousand ($500,000). The Town also agrees to compensate Consultant for its out-of-pocket expenses to the extent authorized in Exhibit B. In no event shall the total 65 Attachment
2 compensation and costs payable to consultant under this Agreement exceed the sum of five hundred thousand ($500,000), unless specifically approved in writing by the Town Council.

8. REPRESENTATIVE. Aaron Aknin is hereby designated as the representative of Consultant authorized to act on its behalf with respect to the services specified herein. It is expressly understood that the experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of Aaron Aknin were a substantial inducement for Town to enter into this Agreement. Therefore, Aaron Aknin shall be responsible during the term of this Agreement for directing all activities of Consultant and devoting sufficient time to personally supervise the services hereunder. The representative may not be changed by Consultant without the express written approval of the Town.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY. Consultant, in the course of its duties, may have access to financial, accounting, statistical and personal data of private individuals and employees of the Town. Consultant covenants that all data, documents, discussion, or other information developed and received by Consultant or provided for performance of this Agreement are deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by Consultant without written authorization by the Town. The Town shall grant such authorization if 66 3
disclosure is required by law. Upon request, all Town data shall be returned to the Town upon the termination of this Agreement. Consultant’s covenant under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

13. ASSIGNABILITY; SUBCONTRACTING. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of Consultant are material considerations for this Agreement.

14. INDEMNIFICATION.

14.2 With regard to Consultant’s professional services, Consultant agrees to use that degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised under similar circumstances by members of Consultant’s profession, including without limitation adherence to all applicable safety standards. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the Town) and hold harmless 67 4
the Town, and its elective or appointive boards, officers, and employees from and against all liabilities, including without limitation all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, and judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses, and defense costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and costs of alternative dispute resolution regardless of nature or type that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, reckless, or willful misconduct of Consultant or Consultant’s officers, employees, agents or subcontractors. The provisions of this Section survive completion of the services or the termination of this Agreement. The acceptance of said services and duties by Town shall not operate as a waiver of such right of indemnification.

17. TERMINATION.

To Town:

Town Manager
Town of Portola Valley
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Fax: (650) 851-4677
To Consultant:

Aaron Aknin, Principal
Good City Company
601 Allerton Street, Ste 110
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (415) 845-8344
Notice shall be deemed communicated on the earlier of actual receipt or fortyeight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. mail, the date of delivery shown on deliverer’s receipt, or by acknowledgment of facsimile transmission. 69 6

21. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.

The venue for any litigation shall be San Mateo County.

24. EXHIBITS, PRECEDENCE. All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.

25. PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town and Consultant have executed this Agreement effective as of the date written above.

TOWN: CONSULTANT:

By: _______________________
Mayor
By: _______________________
Name (printed):________________
Title: _______________________
EIN _______________________
70 7
ATTEST:
____________________________
Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Town Attorney
71 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

EXHIBIT A
(PLANNING SCOPE AND LEVEL OF SERVICES)

1. Planning Staff Services
This contract covers professional on-call town planning staff services to be provided by CSG Consultant for the benefit of the Town of Portola Valley in relation to supplemental Town Planning staff services. The staff services will be delivered in accordance with applicable Portola Valley Municipal Code, State and Federal legislation, Town Policies, and industry best practices.

2. Scope of Services
The consultant shall provide the following staff services, on an as-needed basis:

2.1 Preliminary Planning Information
• Site review and constraints analysis
• General Plan Policy, Municipal Code, Design Guidelines interpretation • Policy and regulatory framework review
• Preliminary information on land use proposals
• Applicant preapplication meetings/guidance
• Historical permit/information research
• Zoning verification letters

2.2 Planning Strategy and Reports
• Preparation of planning strategies or masterplans
• Town design guidelines, policies, programs input
• Drafting Planning Proposals / Amendments
• Development feasibility assessment
• Drafting staff reports and presenting to Council, Commissions, Committees, public

2.3 Development Application Services
• Intake and process Development Applications
• Coordinate technical consultants (e.g., engineering, geologic, architect, arborist) • CEQA Environmental Assessments/Reports/Determinations (NODs) • Analize planning permit applications, drafting staff reports and presenting to Council, Commissions, Committees, public
• Responses to Council and Commission Requests for Information • Utilization and integration of Energov Permit System
• Close-out procedures for planning permits
72 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

2.4 General Plan/ Rezoning / Reclassification Services
• Preparation and submission of Planning Proposals
• Coordination with local, state or regional planning agencies • Community consultation support
• Staff analysis and report writing

2.5 Planning Representation
• Representation at Council, Commission, Committees or other public meetings/hearings
• Representation at outside organizations and agencies

2.6 Stakeholder Engagement
• Consultation with Council, Commissions, Committees, government agencies, and the public
• Community consultation and reporting
• Stakeholder meeting facilitation
• Front public counter and virtual consultation, as needed.

2.7 Other Services
• GIS Mapping and spatial analysis
• Infrastructure coordination

3. Level of Service
• Assistant to Senior Planner level of professional planning service, as requested • Ensure back-up or alternate staff are available during absences. • Location: Portola Valley Town Hall and Historical School House • Availability: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm or as agreed, and Council/Commission meeting nights, as assigned
• Project Planner shall communicate their contact information as point-of-contact to applicant and owner at the time of planning review/permit case assignment. • Planning Permit applications Plan Check turnaround times per Permit Streamlining Act.

Note: Times may vary based on project complexity and completeness of submittal.
73 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

EXHIBIT B
(COMPENSATION)
See Good City Company Hourly Rate Sheet for each service. 74 BILLING RATES

BILLING
RATES
Good City prides itself on being a cost-effective solution for public sector agencies. Staff retains detailed timesheets and works efficiently to ensure the client is getting the best value for the services.

TITLE 2025 Hourly Rate
» Principal/Partner $270
» Planning Director $240
» Economic Development Director $240
» Principal Planner/Planning Manager $205
» Public Policy Lead $195
» Economic Development Lead $195
» Senior Planner/Project Manager $176
» Senior Economic Development Planner $176
» Housing Services Consultant $176
» Associate Planner $150
»
»
Economic Development Associate
Assistant Planner
$150
$135
» Planning Technician $105
» Marketing Specialist/Graphic Designer $105
» Administrative Specialist $95
Billing rates subject to annual cost of living increase Subconsultant Contracts Direct Billing + 10% oversight fee. 75 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

1. MINIMUM SCOPE OF INSURANCE. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1.1 Insurance Services Office Form No. CG 0001 covering General Liability and Commercial General Liability on an “occurrence” basis.

1.2 Insurance Services Office Form No. CA 0001 covering Automobile Liability, Code 1 (any auto), Code 8 (hired autos) or Code 9 (non-owned autos), if Consultant has no owned autos.

1.3 Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

1.4 Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance appropriate to the Consultant’s profession. Architects’ and Consultants’ coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability.

2. MINIMUM LIMITS OF INSURANCE. Consultant shall maintain limits no less than:

2.2 Automobile Liability. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

2.4 Errors and Omissions Liability. Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence.
76 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

4. OTHER INSURANCE PROVISIONS.

4.1.4 Coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after thirty (30) days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment) by regular mail has been given to the Town.

4.1.5 Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to the Town, its officials, employees, agents or contractors.

4.1.6 Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
77 C:\Users\vdao\Downloads\Good City Agrmt 2025 DRAFT.doc

4.2 Worker’s Compensation Insurance. The Worker’s Compensation Policy required pursuant to Section 1.3 shall contain or be endorsed to contain the provision set forth in subsection 4.1.4 above.

4.3 Acceptability of Insurers. All required insurance shall be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the Town.

Proof of insurance shall be mailed to the following address:

Town of Portola Valley
Attn: Town Clerk
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Tony McFarlane, Finance
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Adoption of a Resolution Updating the Authorized Check Signers on Town Accounts at Technology Credit Union

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Town Council adopt a Resolution updating the authorized check signers on Town accounts at Technology Credit Union.

BACKGROUND
The Town of Portola Valley maintains one checking and two savings accounts at Technology Credit Union. When the list of persons authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Town changes, Technology Credit Union requires a Resolution authorizing those changes.

DISCUSSION
The recommended Resolution authorizes the following elected officials and officers to sign checks on behalf of the Town.

Mayor -
Vice-Mayor -
Town Manager – Darcy Smith
Assistant Town Manager – Corie Stocker-Pedalino
The names of the Mayor and Vice-Mayor will be added to the resolution after completion of the Town Council reorganization.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact on the adoption of a Resolution updating the authorized check signers on Town accounts at Technology Credit Union.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution - Tech CU Authorization
79 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2984-2025

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

PORTOLA VALLEY UPDATING AUTHORIZED CHECK SIGNERS AT

TECHNOLOGY CREDIT UNION
WHEREAS, the Town of Portola Valley maintains one checking account and two savings accounts at Technology Credit Union; and
WHEREAS, when the list of persons authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Town changes, Technology Credit Union requires an adopted Resolution authorizing the changes.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby RESOLVE as follows:

1. Authorize the following Town of Portola Valley elected officials and officer or successors in office to sign checks on the Town’s behalf:
• Mayor
• Vice Mayor
• Town Manager – Darcy Smith
• Assistant Town Manager – Cory Stocker-Pedalino
PASSED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Town of Portola Valley on December 10, 2025.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By: ____________________________
, Mayor
ATTEST:

Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
80 Attachment

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Tony McFarlane, Finance Director
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Authorization for the Transfer of Funds

RECOMMENDATION
Consider adopting a Resolution amending the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) authorization for the transfer of funds.

BACKGROUND
The Town of Portola Valley invests monies in LAIF, a voluntary state program created by Chapter 730 of the statutes of 1976, Section 16429.1. LAIF provides an investment alternative for local governments and special districts. All securities are purchased and managed by the State Treasurer’s Office.

DISCUSSION
When the list of persons authorized to make deposits or withdrawals changes, a new resolution authorizing those changes must be adopted and forwarded to LAIF. An updated Authorization for Transfer of Funds must also be forwarded to LAIF. The recommended Resolution adds the following authorized signers:

Mayor -
Vice-Mayor –
Town Manager – Darcy Smith
Assistant Town Manager – Corie Stocker-Pedalino
Finance Director – Anthony McFarlane
The names of the Mayor and Vice Mayor will be added upon completion of the Council reorganization.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from the adoption of a Resolution amending the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) authorization for the transfer of funds.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution - LAIF Authorization
81 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2985-2025

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

PORTOLA VALLEY AMENDING THE LOCAL AGENCY

INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSFER OF
FUNDS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 730 of the statutes of 1976, Section 16429.1 was added to the California Government Code to create a Local Agency Investment Fund in the State Treasury for the deposit of money of a local agency for the purposes of investment by the State Treasurer; and WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby find that the deposit and withdrawal of money in the Local Agency Investment Fund in accordance with the provisions of Section 16429.1 of the Government Code for the purpose of investment as stated therein is in the best interests of the Town of Portola Valley
NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby RESOLVE as follows:

1. Authorize the deposit and withdrawal of Town of Portola Valley monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund in the State Treasury in accordance with the provisions of Section 16429.1 of the Government Code for the purpose of investment therein, and verification by the state Treasurer’s Office of all banking in that regard.

2. Authorize the following Town of Portola Valley elected officials and officers or their successors in office to order the deposit or withdrawal of monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund:
• Mayor
• Vice Mayor
• Town Manager – Darcy Smith
• Assistant Town Manager – Corie Stocker-Pedalino
• Finance Director – Anthony McFarlane
PASSED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Town of Portola Valley on December 10, 2025.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
82 Attachment
2 ABSTAIN:

By: ____________________________
, Mayor
ATTEST:

Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
83 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO:

FROM:

DATE:

RE:

Mayor and Members of the Town Council
Tony McFarlane, Finance Director
December 10, 2025
Resolution authorizing Charles Schwab to add the Town Manager as an authorized agent of the Charles Schwab account

RECOMMENDATION
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing Charles Schwab to add the Town Manager as an authorized agent for the Town's investment account.

BACKGROUND
On June 25, 2025, the Town Council reauthorized the Town Manager as the Town Treasurer, pursuant to Municipal Code Title 2, Chapter 2.08.020 and delegated day-to-day operations to the Finance Director.

DISCUSSION
The Town invests monies with Charles Schwab in accordance with its investment policy.

When there is a change in the list of persons authorized to approve transactions such as deposits or withdrawals, an adopted resolution by the Town Council authorizing the change in personnel is required by Charles Schwab. This resolution adds the following authorized personnel to the Investment Account:

Town Manager – Darcy Smith

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption a Resolution authorizing Charles Schwab to add the Town Manager as an authorized agent of the Charles Schwab Account.

ATTACHMENTS

2. Resolution - Charles Schwab Authorization
84 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2986-2025

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

PORTOLA VALLEY AUTHORIZING CHARLES SCHWAB TO ADD

THE TOWN MANAGER AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT OF THE

CHARLES SCHWAB INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
WHEREAS, the Municipal Code, Section 2.08.020 authorizes the Town Manager to serve as Town Treasurer and maintain the accounts of the town in accordance with the approved final budget and accepted municipal accounting procedures; and
WHEREAS, at its June 25, 2025 meeting, the Portola Valley Town Council reauthorized the Town Manager as the Town Treasurer as the authority for management of the Town’s investment programs; and
WHEREAS, Charles Schwab is requiring a Resolution from the Town authorizing the addition of the Town Manager as an authorized agent for the Town’s investment account.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby RESOLVE as follows:

1. The Town of Portola Valley authorizes Charles Schwab to add the following individual(s) to the Town Investment Account ending in 1496:
• Town Manager – Darcy Smith
PASSED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Town of Portola Valley on December 10, 2025.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By: ____________________________
, Mayor
ATTEST:

Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
85 Attachment

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Steve McHarris, Extra Help - Special Planning and Building Projects DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Adoption of a Resolution Ratifying Ordinance No. 14-2025 of the Woodside Fire Protection District, which Adopts the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Specified Appendices, and as Modified by Local Amendments, and Determining that the Project is Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council consider adoption of a Resolution Ratifying Ordinance No. 14-2025 of the Woodside Fire Protection District, which Adopts the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Specified Appendices, and as Modified by Local Amendments, and Determining that the Project is Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

BACKGROUND
The State of California adopted the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code, including the California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, which becomes effective throughout the State effective January 1, 2026. The California Fire and WUI Codes establishes minimum standards for protection of life and property from fire. Local jurisdictions may establish more restrictive building standards than those contained in the California Building Standards Code if the modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

Fire districts are also authorized to enact stricter standards than those in the California Fire and WUI Codes. To do so, a fire district’s legislative body must adopt an ordinance implementing the Fire Code with amendments, and must adopt findings of fact justifying the need for changes or modifications due to local conditions.

A fire district’s ordinance is not effective until it is ratified by the legislative body of the city/town where it will apply. After the fire district transmits its adopted ordinance to the city/town, the legislative body of the city/town may ratify, modify, or deny the fire district’s adopted ordinance. If the city/town modifies or denies the fire district’s ordinance, it must provide a written statement describing the reasons for any modifications or denial. The city/town must then transmit its determination to the fire district within 15 days of the determination. Upon ratification of an adopted ordinance, the city/town must also file a copy of the fire district’s findings, and any of the city/town’s findings, together with the adopted ordinance, with the California Department of Housing and Community Development. 86 WFPD enforces and applies the California Fire and WUI Codes within the Towns of Portola Valley and Woodside, as well as certain areas of unincorporated San Mateo County. On November 18, 2025, WFPD Board of Directors adopted their Ordinance 14-2025, which adopts the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including specified appendices, and as modified by local amendments, and adopting a finding that the Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act. The Town Ordinance is provided as Attachment 1, and a report from Kimberly Giuliacci, WFPD Division Chief / Fire Marshal is provided as Attachment 2.

The procedural requirements for adoption have been satisfied as follows:

1. Distribution to Local Agencies: Copies of Ordinance No. 14-2025 were provided to the Towns of Woodside and Portola Valley, and the County of San Mateo on September 30, 2025.

2. First Reading: The Board introduced and waived the first reading on October 28, 2025, and scheduled the public hearing for November 18, 2025.

3. Public Hearing Notice: Notice of this public hearing was published twice in accordance with state law, providing the required 14-day notice period.

4. Second Reading: The Board conducted the second reading on November 18th and adopted the ordinance.

5. Post-Adoption Steps and Town Ratification: Upon adoption, the ordinance was transmitted to the Town for ratification and subsequently will be filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Following the passage of AB 130 in June 2025, local governments are precluded between October 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031 from adopting more restrictive building standards that are applicable to residential units unless one or more conditions is met. As relevant here, these conditions include that “the changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the [town] and were in effect as of September 30, 2025,” and that “the building standards relate to home hardening and are proposed for adoption by a fire protection district pursuant to Section 13869.7.” Health & Safety Code § 18941.5(c)(1), (4). To the extent the Town’s ratification of WFPD’s Ordinance 14-2025 constitutes the adoption of building standards in the Town, the Town’s ratification of the building standards applicable to residential units found in Ordinance 14-2025 satisfies either or both these conditions in the Health & Safety Code. The building standards in the ordinance relate to home hardening and are proposed by the WFPD, and many of the changes were previously adopted by the Town and were in effect as of September 30, 2025.

DISCUSSION
WFPD recommends that the Town Council ratify Ordinance 14-2025 as provided in Town Ordinance Exhibit A. Town Staff have reviewed the proposed amendments and findings and recommend ratification of the ordinance.

If the Town decides to modify WFPD’s ordinance by removing any of WFPD’s amendments or additions, then WFPD would not be able to enforce those modifications or additions in the Town. Other than the modifications or additions rejected by the Town, WFPD would continue to enforce the remainder of its ordinance in the Town. If the Town decides to modify WFPD’s ordinance by adding new affirmative requirements, staff would prepare an ordinance to bring back to Council for a public hearing and first reading. Because such new affirmative requirements would be modifications to the state building standards, the Town would also 87 need to make findings of local necessity and show that its changes satisfy AB 130.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this agenda item.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution with Exhibit A: Ordinance No. 14-2025 of the Woodside Fire Protection District

2. Report from Kimberly Giuliacci, WFPD Division Chief / Fire Marshal 88 RESOLUTION NO. 2987-2025

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY RATIFYING ORDINANCE NO. 14-2025 OF THE WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, WHICH ADOPTS THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE, INCLUDING SPECIFIED APPENDICES, AND AS MODIFIED

BY LOCAL AMENDMENTS, AND DETERMINING THAT THE PROJECT IS

EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 13869 provides that a fire protection district may adopt a fire prevention code by reference; and WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 13869.7 authorizes a fire protection district to adopt building standards related to fire and panic safety that are more stringent than those adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained in the California building Standards so long as the fire district’s changes are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, the Woodside Fire Protection District (“WFPD”) adopted Ordinance No.14-2025 on November 18, 2025, adopting by reference the 2025 California Fire Code (based on the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code) and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with amendments; and
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 13869.7 requires that WFPD transmit to the Town of Portola Valley (“Town”) its adopted ordinance making changes or modifications to the California Building Standards Code related to fire and panic safety; and
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 13869.7 authorizes the Town to ratify, modify or deny WFPD’s adopted ordinance; and WHEREAS, Chapter 15.16 [Fire Protection District] of Title 15 [Building and Construction] of the Portola Valley Municipal Code establishes a process pursuant to which the Town may by resolution ratify, modify or reject the WFPD’s ordinance; and WHEREAS, pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Section 13869.7, the WFPD’s ordinance is not effective in the Town until ratified by the Town; and WHEREAS, the WFPD requested ratification of Ordinance No. 14-2025 in an report dated November 30, 2025 to the Town from the WFPD Fire Marshal; and 89 Attachment
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 18941.5 as modified by AB 130, between October 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031, the Town is precluded from adopting more restrictive building standards that are applicable to residential units unless one or more conditions is met; and
WHEREAS, one of those conditions set out in Health & Safety Code Section 18941.5(c)(1) is that the changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the Town and were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, another of the conditions set out in Health & Safety Code Section 18941.5(c)((4) is that the building standards relate to home hardening and are proposed for adoption by a fire protection district pursuant to Section 13869.7 of the Health & Safety Code; and
WHEREAS, the WFPD’s modifications and amendments to building standards applicable to residential units in Ordinance 14-2025 relate to home hardening and are proposed for adoption by a fire protection district pursuant to Section 13869.7 of the Health and Safety Code, and many of these modifications and amendments were previously adopted and in effect as of September 30, 2025, and therefore the modifications and amendments meet the conditions in Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5(c)(1) and/or (4); and
WHEREAS, Town staff has reviewed the additions and amendments adopted by the Fire District and finds the additions and amendments to be in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, this Project has been found to not need environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, California Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3) in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance adopts standard codes in effect pursuant to state law and sets requirements for compliance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley hereby ratifies Ordinance No. 14-2025 of the WFPD attached hereto as Exhibit A, adopted by the WFPD Board on November 18, 2025 and adopting by reference an amended and restated District Fire Prevention Code that makes local amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code based upon the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code, and adopting by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with amendments.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portola 90 Valley does hereby adopt WFPD’s Findings of Fact supporting the modifications to the Fire Code in WFPD Ordinance No. 14-2025 as reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby find that the building standards in WFPD Ordinance No. 14-2025 that are applicable to residential units either are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the Town Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, and/or relate to home hardening and are proposed for adoption by a fire protection district pursuant to Section 13869.7, as required by Health & Safety Code Section 18941.5(c)(1) and (4).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby determining that the Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution, a copy of WFPD Ordinance No. 14-2025, and a copy of the WFPD Findings of Fact, shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 17958.7(a) and with the California Department of Housing and Community Development in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13869.7(c).

REGULARLY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of December 2025.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By:
, Mayor
ATTEST
Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
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129
1 To: Town of Portola Valley Council and Town Manager Darcy Smith From: Kimberly Giuliacci, Division Chief / Fire Marshal Date: November 30, 2025
Subject: RATIFY ORDINANCE NO. 14-2025 OF THE WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE, INCLUDING SPECIFIED APPENDICES, AND AS MODIFIED BY LOCAL

AMENDMENTS, ADOPTING A FINDING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO.

13. I. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council ratify Ordinance No. 14-2025, thereby approving the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, with local amendments, and adopting the associated CEQA exemption findings.

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ordinance No. 14-2025 establishes the Woodside Fire Protection District’s adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, as required by state law and consistent with the triennial code adoption cycle managed by the California Building Standards Commission.

The ordinance ensures the District maintains up-to-date fire and life safety standards that reflect both statemandated requirements and locally justified amendments necessary to address the District’s unique climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.

At its meeting on November 18, 2025, the Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. 14-2025.

III. BACKGROUND: THE TRIENNIAL CODE ADOPTION CYCLE
California’s building standards, compiled under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), operate on a mandatory triennial (three-year) code adoption cycle. This cycle is managed by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) in coordination with agencies like the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

1. State Mandate: Every three years, the State reviews national model codes (like the International Fire Code) and publishes the updated California Code, which all local jurisdictions are required to enforce.

2. Local Jurisdiction's Role: While local agencies must enforce the state-mandated codes, state law (Health and Safety Code §§ 13869, 13869.7, 18941.5, and 17958.7) grants local fire protection districts Woodside Fire Protection District
Bureau of Fire Prevention & Life Safety
808 Portola Road Portola Valley, Ca. 94028
(650) 851-1594
www.woodsidefire.org
Kimberly Giuliacci – Fire Marshal
130
Attachment 2
2 the authority to adopt a local ordinance to implement the code and, crucially, establish more restrictive standards.

3. Recent Legislative Changes: Recent legislative changes to California Health & Safety Code sections 18941.5 and 17958.7, created the following additional restrictions on the District’s ability to establish more restrictive standards as applied to residential units:
a. The local amendments must be substantially equivalent to amendments that were in effect as of September 30, 2025; or
b. The local amendments relate to home hardening.

Ordinance No. 14-2025 complies with these new legal requirements.

4. Justification for Local Ordinances: A local fire code ordinance is necessary because the statewide code often represents minimum standards. Due to the specific local conditions of the Woodside Fire Protection District, such as steep terrain, dense vegetation, and challenging access within the District, the Board must make formal findings that local amendments are "reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions." Ordinance No. 14-2025 contains these necessary findings and amendments, enabling the District to enforce higher standards for life and property safety than the minimum state code.

Ordinance 14-2025 does not supersede the District’s authority to establish non-building restrictions or regulations related to fire prevention as otherwise authorized by law including, but not limited to, Public Resources Code section 4117.

Ordinance 14-2025 does not supersede or replace any other District Ordinances concerning fire prevention including Ordinance 24-01 establishing fuel mitigation and exterior hazard abatement standards throughout the District.

IV. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The most significant changes involve the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface (State WUI) Code. The State WUI Code integrates provisions from:
o CA Building Code Chapter 7A (Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure)
o CA Residential Code Section R337 (Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure)
o CA Fire Code Chapter 49 (Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas) o Some elements from Title 14 (State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations) and Title 19 (Public Safety) are also referenced or folded into the State WUI Code where relevant.

The State WUI Code does not automatically apply to all new development throughout the District. In general, its provisions apply only to development in the State Responsibility Area, or development in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas.

The State WUI Code also includes both building and non-building standards. The non-building standards apply when established by other statutory law or if adopted by District ordinance.

For example, Chapter 6 of the State WUI Code includes, among other things, non-building standards related to defensible space and building siting and setbacks, which, pursuant to other provisions of state law, only apply to new development in the State Responsibility Area and in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area. They may also apply in other areas of the District should the Board of Directors adopt an ordinance to that effect. Staff is not recommending expanding Chapter 6 of the State WUI Code to other areas 131
3 of the District, as the District has already adopted Ordinance 24-01 to address fuel mitigation and exterior hazard abatement throughout the District.

Ordinance 14-2025 adopts the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code in its entirety with the following local amendments:

1. The provisions in Chapter 4 of the State WUI Code (relating primarily to emergency vehicle access and water supply) are to be applied to all new development throughout the District.

2. The provisions in Chapter 5 of the State WUI Code (relating to special building construction requirements) are to be applied to all new development throughout the District.

V. CEQA EXEMPTION FINDING
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) generally requires public agencies to conduct environmental review for discretionary "projects" that may cause a physical change in the environment. The adoption of Ordinance No. 14-2025 is exempt from CEQA review for the following reasons:

1. Regulatory vs. Project: The adoption of the Fire Code is a regulatory action designed to enhance public health and safety. It is not an approval of a physical development project, nor does it mandate or entitle any specific construction that would result in physical changes to the environment. The ordinance merely sets the safety and construction requirements that future development projects must adhere to.

2. Common Sense Exemption: As stated within the Ordinance itself (Section 10), the action falls under the Common Sense Exemption (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)), which applies when it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The purpose of adopting more stringent fire and life safety regulations is to protect the environment and natural resources from the physical devastation of wildfire.

VI. PUBLIC PROCESS AND NOTICE
The procedural requirements for adoption have been satisfied as follows:

1. Distribution to Local Agencies: Copies of Ordinance No. 14-2025 were provided to the Towns of Woodside and Portola Valley, and the County of San Mateo on September 30, 2025.

2. First Reading: The Board introduced and waived the first reading on October 28, 2025, and scheduled the public hearing for November 18, 2025.

3. Public Hearing Notice: Notice of this public hearing was published twice in accordance with state law, providing the required 14-day notice period.

4. Second Reading: The Board conducted the second reading on November 18th and adopted the ordinance.

5. Post-Adoption Steps: Upon adoption, the ordinance will be transmitted to the Towns and County for ratification and subsequently filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development.

VII. CONCLUSION
Ordinance No. 14-2025 will ensure the Woodside Fire Protection District remains in compliance with state law and continues to implement the highest standards of fire prevention and building safety. Staff recommends the Town Council ratify Ordinance No. 14-2025 as presented.

Respectfully,
Kimberly Giuliacci
Division Chief / Fire Marshal
Woodside Fire Protection District
132

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Robert Burtt, Town Engineer
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: Consider Adoption of a Resolution Adopting the Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan and Determining that the Project is Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council adopt a Resolution adopting the Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan and making a finding that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

BACKGROUND
The Town of Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) is a critical planning, policy, and implementation document that supports the Town’s efforts to improve the safety of its transportation infrastructure for all modes and for people of all ages and abilities. In order to pursue some safety improvement grant funds through Caltrans, a local agency must have an adopted LRSP or equivalent planning document. This LRSP adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to traffic safety that creates partnership opportunities with stakeholders who can help implement recommendations.

This plan uses historical collision data and an understanding of local context to assess existing roadway safety conditions in the Town, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommended actions with an implementation plan. Ultimately, the LRSP creates a data driven decision-making framework to reduce the number of fatal and severe injury collisions on local roadways.

DISCUSSION
The LRSP provides the Town with a clear and proactive roadmap for strengthening safety on our roads, trails, and pathways in a way that reflects the community’s values and longstanding commitment to preserving our rural character. Developed by the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety (BPTS) Committee with support from Town staff, the plan evaluates more than a decade of crash data, extensive public feedback, and current transportation trends. The LRSP acts as a strategic framework for making informed, long-term investments in safety. The plan also positions Portola Valley to pursue state and federal funding opportunities that require an adopted LRSP. For example, grant funding through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s OBAG 4 County & Local Program, as well as for future funding opportunities under the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All Program.
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The LRSP identifies several key intersections for closer study and outlines practical strategies to reduce conflicts, improve visibility, and support safer travel for everyone using our roadways and trails. These strategies include targeted speed management measures, upgraded signage, improved pedestrian and cyclist crossings, and enhanced trail connectivity. The plan also integrates wildfire and seismic considerations to help ensure that roadway improvements support emergency preparedness and evacuation planning.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this agenda item . Implementation of the LRSP would require separate budget appropriation by the Town Council in the future.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution

2. Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan
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RESOLUTION NO. 2988-2025

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

ADOPTING THE TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY LOCAL ROAD SAFETY PLAN AND

DETERMINING THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the Town of Portola Valley Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) is a critical planning, policy, and implementation document that supports the Town’s efforts to improve the safety of its transportation infrastructure for all modes and for people of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, the LRSP has been designed with the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries on the Town’s roadways by 2030; and WHEREAS, local agencies must have an adopted LRSP or equivalent planning document in order to pursue safety grant funds such as Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) administered by Caltrans and Safe Streets for All (SS4A) by the U.S.

Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the LRSP identifies action items and performance measures for implementation and evaluation that are aligned with plan goals and a list of funding sources such as Caltrans Active Transportation Program, HSIP, California Office of Traffic Safety, regional funding, and federal funding sources; and WHEREAS, this Project has been found to not need environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it is statutorily exempt pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 18, Section 15262 because it is a Project involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future which the Town has not approved, adopted, or funded. Additionally, the LRSP does not have a legally binding effect on later Town activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley does hereby RESOLVE as follows:

The Town of Portola Valley hereby adopts the Town of Portola Valley Local Road Hazard Plan and determines the Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Town of Portola Valley on December 10, 2025.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
135
Attachment 1
By: _________________________
, Mayor
ATTEST:_______________________
Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
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LOCAL ROAD SAFETY PLAN
Prepared by
Portola Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Safety Committee Portola Valley Town Staff
Portola Valley Town Council
Draft Version 1.2
Date November 5
th 2025
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Attachment 2
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Content
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................8 The Town of Portola Valley ........................................................................................................................................9 Purpose of This Plan ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Stakeholders............................................................................................................................................................ 10 Local Road Safety Plan Contributors................................................................................................................... 10 BPTS Committee.............................................................................................................................................. 10 Town Council ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Consultants...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Town Staff........................................................................................................................................................ 10 County Contributors........................................................................................................................................ 11 Town Residents ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Town Government............................................................................................................................................... 11 Town Staff........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Town Council ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Town Commissions.......................................................................................................................................... 11 Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee .......................................................................................... 12 Employees in Town.............................................................................................................................................. 12 Recreational Visitors............................................................................................................................................ 13 Hikers............................................................................................................................................................... 13 Sports Teams................................................................................................................................................... 13 Cyclists............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Micro-mobility Users....................................................................................................................................... 14 Service Providers................................................................................................................................................. 14 Other Influencers................................................................................................................................................. 15 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................... 15 Initial Planning Steps........................................................................................................................................... 15 Sources, Public Engagement and Outreach ........................................................................................................ 16 Primary Sources............................................................................................................................................... 16 Secondary Sources........................................................................................................................................... 17 Vision, Assumptions and Trends ............................................................................................................................. 17 Vision ................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Assumptions........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Natural Features Must Be Preserved for the Entire Bay Area......................................................................... 17 138
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Financial........................................................................................................................................................... 17 Heavy Road Use by Cyclists............................................................................................................................. 17 Heavy Trail Use by Horses and Mountain Bikers............................................................................................. 18 Trends.................................................................................................................................................................. 18 New Buildings.................................................................................................................................................. 18 Transportation Alternatives ............................................................................................................................ 18 Equity............................................................................................................................................................... 19 Goals and Objectives............................................................................................................................................... 19 Streets, Crash Data and Hazards............................................................................................................................. 21 Portola Valley’s Streets........................................................................................................................................ 21 Main Arterials - Portola and Alpine Roads...................................................................................................... 21 Westridge ........................................................................................................................................................ 22 Portola Valley Ranch........................................................................................................................................ 22 Unincorporated San Mateo County ................................................................................................................ 23 Crash Data ........................................................................................................................................................... 23 Crashes from January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2024................................................................................... 23 The Most Dangerous Intersections ................................................................................................................. 24 Time of Crashes............................................................................................................................................... 25 Drunk or Drug Impaired Driving ...................................................................................................................... 26 School Areas.................................................................................................................................................... 27 Severity of Crashes.......................................................................................................................................... 28 Types of Crashes.............................................................................................................................................. 29 Crashes involving Bicycles ............................................................................................................................... 29 Natural Hazards................................................................................................................................................... 30 Earthquakes..................................................................................................................................................... 30 Fire................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Landslides........................................................................................................................................................ 32 Animals............................................................................................................................................................ 32 Observations from Residents.................................................................................................................................. 32 Results from an Informal Survey ......................................................................................................................... 32 Drivers’ Concerns............................................................................................................................................. 33 Concerns and Issues from Public Outreach and the Informal Survey................................................................. 33 Strategies................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Our Approach ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 139
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Education – Driver, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Equestrians........................................................................................... 35 Barriers To Overcome.......................................................................................................................................... 36 Priorities .............................................................................................................................................................. 36 Commitment to Safe Practices........................................................................................................................ 36 Maintain Portola Valley’s Rural Environment ................................................................................................. 37 Use Caltrans Standards Where Appropriate ................................................................................................... 37 Social Equity..................................................................................................................................................... 38 Analysis in the County LRSP............................................................................................................................. 38 Potential Portola Valley Projects............................................................................................................................. 38 Expected Impact.................................................................................................................................................. 45 Maintenance and Monitoring ............................................................................................................................. 46 Appendix A – Links To Sources................................................................................................................................ 47 National Initiatives............................................................................................................................................... 47 State Organizations ............................................................................................................................................. 47 Bay Area Organizations ....................................................................................................................................... 47 San Mateo County Organizations........................................................................................................................ 47 Town Documents................................................................................................................................................. 47 New Housing and Open Space Developments.................................................................................................... 47 Appendix B – Complete Streets Analysis................................................................................................................. 49 Appendix C - Traffic Counts..................................................................................................................................... 58 Alpine Road – October 2019................................................................................................................................ 58 Daily Auto and Bicycle Traffic on Alpine and Portola Roads............................................................................... 58 Appendix D– Input from Woodland School in Ladera............................................................................................. 60 Solutions for Traffic Flow to Minimize Road Rage .............................................................................................. 60 Appendix E – Cycling and Hiking Areas.................................................................................................................... 61 Strava Heat Map of Popular Routes.................................................................................................................... 61 Appendix F – Details for Specific Crash Locations................................................................................................... 62 Details for Three Crash-prone Intersections....................................................................................................... 62 Crashes Around Schools...................................................................................................................................... 69 Crashes Within Half a Mile of Corte Madera Middle School........................................................................... 69 Crashes Within Half a Mile of Ormondale Elementary School........................................................................ 69 Appendix G - Hazard Maps...................................................................................................................................... 70 Earthquake Shaking on the San Andreas Fault.................................................................................................... 70 Areas of Violent and Severe Shaking............................................................................................................... 70 140
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Road Hazards from Earthquakes..................................................................................................................... 70 Fire....................................................................................................................................................................... 73 Landslides............................................................................................................................................................ 73 Appendix H – Resident Comments.......................................................................................................................... 75 Appendix I - Resident Survey Results...................................................................................................................... 77 Q1 Which vision statement do you think best reflects Portola Valley plans for Local Road Safety, completing the sentence: Portola Valley aims to................................................................................................................... 77 Q2 What type of a cyclist are you if any? Check all that apply. 66 replied. ........................................................ 77 Q3 If you are not a cyclist, why not? Check all that apply................................................................................... 78 Q4 If you are a cyclist what type of bikes do you ride?....................................................................................... 78 Q5 School bus use - check all that apply for anyone in your household that uses a school bus. ....................... 79 Q6 Driver concerns - what are your concerns as a driver in Portola Valley?...................................................... 79 Q7 If the town wants to invest in improving road safety what should be done? Check all that apply .............. 80 141
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Figures
Figure 1 The Noon Ride....................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 2 Outreach meetings and educational events......................................................................... 17 Figure 3 Goals and Objectives............................................................................................................. 20 Figure 4 Crash locations from 2013 to 2024 – 85 out of 89 mapped (Source: TIMS) ........................ 23 Figure 5 Crash Counts by Ranked by Intersection for 85 of 89 crashes mapped (Source: TIMS) ...... 24 Figure 6 Number of Crashes per Day of Week per Time .................................................................... 25 Figure 7 Crashes where alcohol or drugs were a factor..................................................................... 26 Figure 8 Crashes around Corte Madera Middle School...................................................................... 27 Figure 9 Crashes around Ormondale Elementary School................................................................... 28 Figure 10 Crash Severity ..................................................................................................................... 28 Figure 11 Crash Type........................................................................................................................... 29 Figure 12 Severity and Location of Crashes Involving Cyclists (Source: TIMS)................................... 29 Figure 13 Number of Cycling Crashes Ranked by Intersection (Source: TIMS) .................................. 30 Figure 14 Locations where Geological Faults Cross Portola Valley Roads ......................................... 31 Figure 15 Driver Concerns................................................................................................................... 33 Figure 16 Portola Valley Top Equivalent Property Damage Only Areas............................................. 38 Figure 17 Potential Portola Valley Projects ........................................................................................ 45 Figure 18 Complete Streets Analysis .................................................................................................. 57 Figure 19 Portola Valley 2019 Average Daily Traffic Volumes............................................................ 58 Figure 20 Lower Bound on Speed Trailer Counts Before and After COVID........................................ 59 Figure 21 Red roads are the heaviest used routes for cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities.. 61 Figure 22 Crashes at Alpine Road and Arastradero Road................................................................... 63 Figure 23 Detailed location of crashes at Alpine Road and Arastradero Road .................................. 64 Figure 24 Crashes at Portola Road and Westridge Drive.................................................................... 65 Figure 25 Crashes reported as being at Portola Road and Westridge are circled in red ................... 66 Figure 26 Crashes at Alpine Road and Los Trancos ............................................................................ 67 Figure 27 Crashes at Alpine Road and Los Trancos Road ................................................................... 68 Figure 28 Crashes within half a mile of Corte Madera School ........................................................... 69 Figure 29 Areas of Violent and Severe Shaking .................................................................................. 70 Figure 30 Earthquake Hazard Map for Northern Portola Valley ........................................................ 71 Figure 31 Earthquake Hazards in Southern Portola Valley................................................................. 71 Figure 32 Key to Earthquake Hazard Maps......................................................................................... 72 Figure 33 Historic Fire Areas in Portola Valley.................................................................................... 73 Figure 34 Landslide Areas of Portola Valley ....................................................................................... 74 142
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Figure 35 Comments from Residents ................................................................................................. 76 Figure 36 Resident Survey - 1. Vision Statement Ranking ................................................................. 77 Figure 37 Resident Survey - 2. Type of Cyclist.................................................................................... 77 Figure 38 Resident Survey - 3. Why People Don't Cycle..................................................................... 78 Figure 39 Resident Survey - 4. Types of Bikes Ridden ....................................................................... 78 Figure 40 Resident Survey - 5. School Bus Users................................................................................ 79 Figure 41 Resident Survey - 6. Ranking of Drivers’ Concerns............................................................ 79 Figure 42 Resident Survey - 7. Ranking of Potential Road Safety Improvements.............................. 80 143
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Executive Summary
The Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) was developed by a sub-committee from the Portola Valley’s advisory Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety (BPTS) Committee together with input from Portola Valley’s Public Works Engineer along with the Town Council. San Mateo County, working with consulting firm Kittleson & Associates, created a County LRSP that contains data for each town in the County and will also include each town’s LRSP. Portola Valley’s 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study lists infrastructure improvements that are referenced in this plan.

This LRSP lists projects that the town may consider to reduce the number of crashes in Portola Valley. Since 2013, there has been only one recorded fatality on town roads. Fifty one of the 89 crashes between 2013 and 2024 involved cyclists. Most of these were a collision between a turning car and a bicycle riding downhill. Other crashes are of a solo vehicle into a fixed object. Most crashes occur during the day, despite the town having no streetlights.

Alpine Inn patrons and hikers enjoying our trails present parking and congestion challenges for the town. Safe Routes to School can be improved with clearer signage and enhanced trails.

Major community goals, as outlined in Portola Valley’s General Plan, include enhancing convenience and safety along the Town’s scenic roads, trails, and paths, while recognizing that the Town has valuable natural features and open space to preserve for the enjoyment of all in the entire Bay Area. Other goals are to provide road infrastructure that enables safe evacuation of the town due to fire, earthquake, or other disaster. Residents are concerned about traffic flow infrastructure as the number of dwellings increases.

The support the major community goals outlined in Portola Valley’s General Plan, the Town has established the following objectives:
● Reduce crash injuries by 25%, i.e. no more than 27 crashes over the next five years, with no more than 2 involving pedestrians, 17 involving cyclists and 32 people injured, 10 severely. ● Ensure that a San Mateo County Sheriff’s Officer reports monthly to the Town’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety (BPTS) Committee.
● Ensure drivers conform to the posted speed limits and are cited for speeding. ● Add a Safe Routes to School volunteer on the BPTS committee. ● Increase outreach to the cycling community and to town event attendees. ● Ensure that grant opportunities and communications from the county are sent to the head of the BPTS committee, along with town staff.

Portola Valley provides excellent training roads for recreational and competitive cyclists. It is vital that the roads remain safe and well-maintained. Regular outreach to cycling groups is key to reducing cycling crashes.

Consistent, informative signs will help cyclists choose the appropriate road routes and trails.

Stricter enforcement of posted speed limits is recommended to enhance roadway safety throughout the Town.

Portola Valley is also open to implementing additional speed reduction measures such as street furniture, narrower travel lanes, traffic circles, and speed cameras, where appropriate. Portola Valley recently installed rapid flashing beacons at two crosswalk locations. Additional crosswalks may benefit from similar safety enhancements as part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to create safer and more accessible routes for all users.

The Town’s primary challenge in pursuing the potential projects outlined at the end of this report is its limited budget, staffing, and financial resources.
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The Town of Portola Valley
Portola Valley was incorporated in San Mateo County in 1964. The regions of Portola Valley mentioned in this report are as follows:
● Westridge is a hilly area of Portola Valley. Homes feature large acreage with Alpine and Portola Roads forming part of its borders. Many homes are on cul-de-sacs. It has several horse properties and many trails suitable for horses and pedestrians.
● Woodside Highlands and Hayfields have narrow, steep streets southwest of Portola Road bordered by Wayside and Hayfield Road.
● Portola Valley Ranch is southeast of Alpine Road, with Indian Crossing as its main entrance. It has sidewalks and many of its houses are on cul-de-sacs.

Adjacent lands in San Mateo County are also included in the town’s planning area:
● Los Trancos Woods or Los Trancos is the area reached from Los Trancos Road that is in unincorporated San Mateo County.
● Ladera is a hilly community between Portola Valley and Interstate 280 west of Alpine Road. It includes a church, offices and a shopping/dining area on Alpine Road. It is also in unincorporated San Mateo County.
● Undeveloped San Mateo County is a hilly region bordered by State Route 35 (Skyline Drive).

Portola Road and Alpine Road are the Town’s main thoroughfares, the former connecting to Woodside and the latter connecting to Ladera. Both of these roads are scenic corridors.

The Town’s General Plan (https://www.portolavalley.net/town-government/general-plan ) states that major community goals are to:
● Preserve and enhance the natural features and open space of the planning area because they are unusual and valuable assets for the planning area, the Peninsula, and the entire Bay Area. ● Provide scenic roads, trails, and paths to enhance enjoyment of the planning area and to increase convenience and safety.

The Town has several features that affect our road planning and differentiate it from more urban environments:

1. The Town is located in a seismic area. The San Andreas fault runs through the Town. Evidence of earth movement during the 1906 earthquake can be found in nature and historic photographs.

2. An abundance of wildlife means that drivers need to be aware of deer, turkeys and other creatures that frequently cross roads.

3. Fire could block roads and cause significant loss of buildings, fauna, and flora.

4. The main roads have shoulders, the aim of which is to keep them at least 5ft wide for cyclists. Shoulders need constant maintenance to keep them clear of the loose soil, gravel or vegetation that slides down the hilly roadsides.

5. The Town’s hills make it difficult for many to commute around town by bicycle.

6. Most of the restaurants and the grocery store in the Town are independent and without a central distribution system. This results in more large vehicles on Town roads than there would be if the businesses had centralized distribution.
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7. The Town has a public middle school and elementary schools. It does not have a public high school.

Woodside Priory is a private day and boarding school that serves grades 6 through 12 with over 430 students.

8. Portola Valley is a dark sky town. There are no streetlights Purpose of This Plan
The purpose of this Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) is to provide a strategic framework for the Town of Portola Valley to identify, analyze, and prioritize improvements to traffic safety. The plan outlines how the Town, in collaboration with stakeholders, intends to:
● prioritize road, footpath, and trail system improvements, maintenance, and creation that make them safer for all, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders. ● reduce the number of traffic crashes and their severity. ● supply safe routes during emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, or landslides.

Many grants that fund bicycle, pedestrian, equestrian, and roadway safety improvements require an adopted roadway safety plan. The town’s LRSP will be included in San Mateo County’s LRSP along with those for other towns in the county. The completion of the LRSP will make Portola Valley, in most cases via the County, eligible for grant funding from the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program, and the US Department of Transportation.

Stakeholders
The following stakeholders and community safety partners are involved in Portola Valley’s bicycle, pedestrian, horse, and vehicle safety.

Local Road Safety Plan Contributors
BPTS Committee
● Ed Holland (chair)
● Patt Baenen
● Angela Hey
● Kevin Welch
Town Council
● Judith Hasko (Town Council member, Mayor)
● Craig Taylor (Town Council member, Vice Mayor)
● Rebecca Flynn (Town Council member and C/CAG Board Member) ● Mary Hufty (Town Council member and alternate town representative on the C/CAG Board) ● Helen Wolter (Town Council member and liaison for the BPTS Committee) Consultants
● Paul Krupka, PE (Civil Engineer and Traffic Engineer), Krupka Consulting ● Kittleson & Associates provided input to the county and helped draft their preliminary report in October 2024 that they provided to the town
Town Staff
● Howard Young (prior Town Engineer and Public Works Director) ● Robert Burtt (Town Engineer)
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County Contributors
● C/CAG staff provided input for the plan.
● An officer from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office reports on accidents and traffic citations each month to the BPTS committee.
● Town Council member Rebecca Flynn serves on the C/CAG board of directors, with alternate council member Mary Hufty.

Town Residents
In the 2020 census, Portola Valley was estimated to have:
● 4,456 residents, with 1,730 households in 1,915 housing units. The 94028 ZIP code that included the unincorporated areas had 6,904 residents in 2,625 households and 2,809 housing units. ● 83% have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification. ● A median household income of over $250,000 per year. The average can be misleading as there are some very high earners as well as many workers, students, and older adults on very low income. ● An older population with 794 men and 1043 women aged 65 or older – that is 41% of the total population – compares with 15% for California as a whole. The median age was 54.5. ● 948 (21%) aged 19 or under – compares with 25% for California as a whole. ● 39% of the employed population work outside the town. Town residents usually commute by car. Bus service is limited.

With a high percentage of older people in the town, many of whom drive, walk, or cycle, drivers need to be especially aware of those with declining mobility, hearing, and sight. Newly built Willow Commons has 16 residents with intellectual or developmental delays who may walk or cycle on roads or trails and need safe routes to work at Town locations.

Town Government
There are four parts to town government:
● Town staff - paid
● Town Council – volunteers
● Town Commissions – Planning, and Architectural & Site Control (ASCC) - volunteers ● Town Committees – advisory (permanent and ad hoc) - volunteers Town Staff
Much of the work typically performed by municipal staff in larger jurisdictions is carried out by volunteers in Portola Valley. The BPTS Committee serves in an advisory and supportive capacity, providing input and assistance to Town staff and contractors on safety-related projects. Town Engineer typically attends the monthly BPTS Committee meetings to share updates, answer technical questions, and coordinate efforts in support of the Town’s broader roadway safety goals.

Town Council
A Town Council member attends BPTS meetings each month in a liaison capacity. This representative observes discussions and helps ensure effective communication between the Town Council and the Committee.

Town Commissions
The town has two commissions:
• Planning Commission
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• Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC).

These commissions may ask the BPTS Committee for advice on home building or remodeling projects, particularly when it involves driveway redesign or a major new building site.

One of the ASCC’s roles is to ensure that capital investments in Town infrastructure match the aesthetics of Portola Valley’s focus on the natural environment.

Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee
BPTS and Town Council meetings are where Town residents provide most of their input on traffic safety. The BPTS typically receives monthly reports from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s office on accidents and citations.

Monthly BPTS meetings give residents the opportunity to raise ideas for traffic safety. These meetings also provide an opportunity for safety conscious groups, such as the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, to connect with the Committee. Residents unable to attend in person can participate on Zoom, enabling them to share comments and observations. The BPTS meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube for later viewing by residents.

Other Town Committees
Town Committees that have input on road safety include:
● Trails and Paths – trails go alongside and across roads, mountain bikers use trails that frequently intersect town roads
● Cultural Arts and Parks & Recreation – both committees hold events where parking, road closures, and traffic management may be necessary
● Emergency Preparedness, Geologic Safety, and Wildfire Preparedness committees – are involved in road design ideas, disaster warnings, and resident education for natural events and their consequences ● Open Space – there are parking lots (or lack of parking) for visitors to trails on open space ● Public Works – discusses roads, roadsides, and drainage areas ● Finance & Audit – discusses the Town budget
Employees in Town
Employees may work for businesses, schools, local government, clubs, places of worship, or individuals. The major areas of activity where people work or congregate are:
● Ford Field – baseball field
● Rossotti’s Alpine Inn near junction of Arastradero Road off Alpine Road, and Town soccer field ● Portola Road/Alpine Road junction area – Ron Ramies Automotive Garage, Jalisco’s Grill, local fire station, Roberts Market, Ace Hardware, physiotherapy gym, hair salon, offices ● The Sequoias – a Continuing Care Community for older adults, with a large staff ● Windy Hill Parking areas
● Town Center – sports courts and fields, Town offices, library, community hall, Town council chambers (historic schoolhouse), park with play area for children ● Village Square - Parkside Grille, shops and businesses ● Schools
o Corte Madera School on Alpine Road
o Woodside Priory on Portola Road
o Ormondale School on Shawnee Pass in a residential area off the main roads 148
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● Town churches area – Portola Road
● In addition, Ladera (not within the jurisdiction of Portola Valley) has three main areas:
o a church and offices on one strip, with Ladera Oaks across Alpine Road o restaurants (Taverna, Konditorei, Koma Sushi, Amigos Grill Cocina and Portola Bistro), a garden center and gift store, bank and gas station
o a school and community center in the residential area of Ladera Gardeners, cleaners, caterers, caregivers, and others are employed by individuals and businesses in Portola Valley. Employees add significantly to the amount of traffic using Portola and Alpine Roads.

Recreational Visitors
Hikers
People come from out of town to enjoy Portola Valley. Hikers visit town trails, Coal Mine Ridge trails, and the Midpeninsula Open Space District area that includes Windy Hill and will soon include the Hawthorns property.

Sports Teams
Sports teams come to play on the town fields. Children can come via school bus or are driven by parents.

Cyclists
Cyclists are attracted to our roads. Many cycling groups, clubs, and individual cyclists ride Portola Valley roads daily. On weekends regional Bay Area bicycle clubs host rides through our town.

Regular Bike Group Rides
Figure 1 shows the Noon Ride cycling peloton that rides Alpine Road every weekday. Typically, each ride has 40 to 70 riders, although sometimes there are more. (Source: SFGate, May 19th, 2016). Note the wide shoulders for cyclists on Alpine Road.

Figure 1 The Noon Ride
The following are some of the other regular rides that rely on Portola Valley to have well-maintained roads and shoulders for cycling:
● Saturday – Spectrum Ride
● Saturday PenVelo Ride – 8:15 am start at 92 and Cañada Rd, does the Portola Valley Loop ● Sunday PenVelo Ride – 8:00 am start at 92 and Cañada Rd, does the Portola Valley Loop ● Sunday Morning Ride – comes every Sunday around 9:30 am ● Tuesday Loop Ride –Western Wheelers group comes every Tuesday ● Tuesday PenVelo – Portola Valley loop clockwise – evenings March – Sept ● Tuesday – the Morning Ride – starts 6:30 am at Los Altos Starbucks 149
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● Thursday PenVelo – Portola Valley loop anti-clockwise – evenings March – Sept ● Thursday – the Morning Ride – starts 6:30 am at Los Altos Starbucks Bicycle Advocacy Organizations and Bicycle Clubs that are regularly seen in Portola Valley include:
● CAMTB – California Mountain Biking
● The Noon Ride
● Almaden Cycle Touring Club
● Alto Velo
● Fremont Freewheelers
● Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club
● Peninsula Velo
● Pink Ladies
● Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers
● Sunnyvale Cupertino Cycling Club
● Velo Girls
● Western Wheelers
Organized Rides
Organized charity rides frequently use Portola Valley’s major roads. These rides were scheduled in 2025, and many do similar routes each year.
● June – Sequoia Century – Western Wheelers
● August or September – Tour de Menlo – Menlo Rotary Club ● September – Tour de Cure – American Diabetes Association Numbers and Locations of Cyclists
From traffic counts in 2019 and 2020 (see Appendix C), we estimate 300-500 bicycles a day when there is no organized ride. An organized ride like The Sequoia Century adds about 800 riders to the traffic flow.

Cyclists congregate at the Portola Road/Alpine Road junction where there is a drinking fountain and at the Town Center which offers restrooms and a drinking fountain. Christ Church Portola Valley is planning a rest stop next to the Town Center alongside Portola Road.

Micro-mobility Users
Cyclists are not the only ones competing for shoulder use. Runners, walkers, dog walkers, scooters, skateboards, ElliptiGO bikes, mono wheels, unicycles, e-bikes, and more also use the shoulder.

Service Providers
Delivery trucks, trash collectors, ride-sharing services, building contractors, and maintenance businesses regularly use Portola Valley roads. Garbage trucks, some of compact design for navigating single-lane narrow roads, come weekly.

San Mateo County Sheriff’s officers provide traffic enforcement. In recent years, San Mateo County Sheriff’s officers have focused on citing drivers and cyclists who fail to stop at STOP signs, and have issued less citations of drivers and cyclists who exceed Town speed limits.

Woodside Fire District provides firefighting, fire mitigation and emergency medical support. American Medical Response (AMR) provides ambulance service under contract to San Mateo County. Woodside Fire District has an AMR ambulance for local support. The fire service is often the first responder to an accident or medical emergency with a fire engine.
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Other Influencers
County and state government, as well as Stanford University that owns land in Portola Valley all influence the town. Not least the affordable housing push means that traffic is expected to increase. These organizations also can help with implementing safe roads and paths, as well as educating the public in Portola Valley.

Transportation Organizations
● Bus companies – school buses, San Mateo County Transit, private coach companies ● Self-driving car companies – Waymo, Tesla, etc.

State Organizations
● Caltrans: California Department of Transportation – has standards for road infrastructure ● California Highway Patrol – has educational publications for distribution to the public Bay Area Government Organizations
● ABAG – the Association of Bay Area Governments
o Transit 2050+ plan
● MTC – Metropolitan Transportation Commission
San Mateo County Organizations
● C/CAG - City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County ● San Mateo County Health
● San Mateo County Sustainability Department
● San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA)
● San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
Educational Organizations
● Portola Valley School District
● Portola Valley Public Schools – Corte Madera, Ormondale ● Portola Valley Private Schools - Woodside Priory, Windmill School, Carillon Preschool, Sharmila Montessori (Ladera), Woodland School (Ladera)
● Public schools that residents travel to – Las Lomitas, Menlo-Atherton, Woodside High School ● Stanford University owns land in Portola Valley
Cycling Advocacy Groups
● CABO – California Association of Bicycle Organizations ● CalBike – California Bicycle Coalition
● League of American Bicyclists
● Silicon Valley Bike Coalition
Methodology
Initial Planning Steps
Portola Valley listed traffic engineering priorities in a 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study (https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/12947/637014860556600000 ).

In February 2024, Jeff Lacap, Eva Gayle, and Sean Charpentier representing C/CAG (the City/County Association of Governments for San Mateo County), and Mike Alston representing Kittelson & Associates (a national transportation planning firm headquartered in Oakland), gave a presentation to the BPTS Committee. They showed crash frequency and severity on a High Injury Network map that includes Alpine and Portola Roads and data from the Berkeley TIMS (Transportation Injury Mapping) study that uses the CHP (California Highway Patrol) SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System) database. During this meeting, Paul Krupka (https://pkrupkaconsulting.com ), the consultant who prepared the 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study, confirmed 151
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that the BPTS Committee was an appropriate body to begin developing the Town’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP).

After the meeting, the prior Public Works Director Howard Young questioned the value of recreating information in an LRSP plan as the 2019 study already noted 48 concepts for improving safety. C/CAG produced a draft plan for Portola Valley in 2024, that they were able to send to Town Council Members or Town staff, but not to the BPTS committee. This delayed plan production.

The BPTS formed a volunteer subcommittee to collect data and draft the report for future review by Town staff and Council Members. By June 2025, the BPTS committee finally had the capacity to work on this document and procured a copy of the county’s preliminary draft plan for Portola Valley via Town Council Members.

Sources, Public Engagement and Outreach
Data has been collected from primary and secondary sources over the years.

Primary Sources
Portola Valley’s BPTS Committee has active participation from residents at its monthly meetings by Town residents who give feedback on traffic issues. They are usually held from 8:15 am to 9:30 am on a weekday at The Little School House in Portola Valley. To enable those who cannot make it to the meeting, we offer live connectivity via Zoom. The Committee’s meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube. The Committee occasionally holds an evening meeting.

Town Council meetings are another primary source for concerns about traffic, pedestrian, bicycle and animal safety.

Figure 2 shows additional public outreach meetings and educational events that have been held.

Meeting Purpose Meeting Time Location Notes
Input on the Pedestrian
Safety Study
7 pm Thursday,
December 6th,
2018
Historic
Schoolhouse
Additional comments were solicited
from parents of children who attend
Town schools.

Town Council
presentation and report
for the Pedestrian
Safety Study.

Wednesday August
14th, 2019
Historic
Schoolhouse
“The Town has been reluctant to
adapt to Caltrans standards because
they are generally perceived as too
urban and too visible for Portola
Valley.” Mayor Wengert
Opportunity for the
Architectural and Site
Control Commission
Feedback on Pedestrian
Safety
7 pm February
10th 2020
Historic
Schoolhouse
This was to verify that the signage
was in line with town architectural
policies and designs.

C/CAG presents at the
BPTS meeting, soliciting
feedback on Phase 2 of
the plan
8:15 am
Wednesday,
February 7th 2024
Historic
Schoolhouse
The BPTS Committee gave feedback
to the county representatives.

Survey for PVForum
Readers
June 5th 2025 to
June 10th 2025
Online The BPTS subcommittee for the LRSP
received online survey input from 67
town stakeholders who read the
town’s widely used PVForum.
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Meeting Purpose Meeting Time Location Notes
Library Outreach
Meetings
Monday June 9th
evening and
Saturday June 14th
afternoon
Portola Valley
Library
Showed the accident map and
requested input from Town
residents.

Education and safety At various annual
town events
Town Center Woodside Fire District helped with
helmet fitting for children. The BPTS
Committee had a table with
educational materials.

Bike Rodeos On various
occasions
Town center,
schools and
Christ Church car
park
Private companies and San Mateo
County Sheriff’s Officers have helped
educate children on safe cycling
practices.

Safe Routes to School BPTS members
have reached out
to schools
Corte Madera
School
The town has a Safe Routes to
School map, developed in
conjunction with the local schools.

Figure 2 Outreach meetings and educational events
Secondary Sources
Secondary data comes from online sources listed in Appendix A.

Vision, Assumptions and Trends
Vision
Portola Valley aims to improve roads and trails to handle transportation trends, population growth, natural disasters, as well as foster traffic safety.

Assumptions
Natural Features Must Be Preserved for the Entire Bay Area Portola Valley’s General Plan notes a major town goal is to “preserve and enhance the natural features and open space of the planning area because they are unusual and valuable assets for the planning area, the Peninsula and the entire Bay Area”. Natural features include unstable hillsides, earthquake faults, and large trees. These all present challenges for road, sidewalk, and trail design and maintenance.

Financial
The town aims to make our road design as safe as possible, given financial constraints. While certain infrastructure solutions such as pedestrian bridges or underpasses could further reduce risk by fully separating vehicle and pedestrian travel, such measures are often cost-prohibitive for a small community like Portola Valley. The Town therefore focuses on practical, cost-effective safety enhancements that align with its fiscal capacity while maximizing safety benefits for all users.

Heavy Road Use by Cyclists
Alpine and Portola Roads are some of the busiest roads for cyclists in San Mateo County. It is vital that our roads are well-maintained without cracks or debris.

Portola Valley’s roadways are uniquely suited for experienced and competitive cyclists, including those who train at an international level and rely on continuous, high-quality pavement conditions for performance and safety. 153
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While the Town strives to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries, it also recognizes that competitive cycling inherently involves higher speeds and greater risk, even under optimal roadway conditions.

Although a high proportion of crashes in Portola Valley includes cyclists, fatalities are rare due to the Town’s wide shoulders that provide a safe environment for the vast majority of riders.

Heavy Trail Use by Horses and Mountain Bikers
Horse riders use many Town trails. A horse can spook and throw a rider. The Town maintains the trails regularly to make trails safe, closing horse trails when they are muddy in the winter. However, risks inherent in horse riding mean that a fatality could occur on our trails.

To help improve trail safety, Town public works employees are efficient at removing fallen trees when they impede trail users. They also mow fire-prone areas, remove ruts caused by rain and cut back brush that might impede trail users.

Trends
New Buildings
New developments will increase traffic patterns:
● Stanford’s Portola Terrace will add approximately 27 single-family homes and 12 income-qualified workforce apartments, resulting in increased car and bicycle traffic. In addition, the Stanford land adjacent to the property has hiking trails that may also increase Alpine Road traffic. ● Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will open parts of the 79-acre Hawthorns Area of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to visitors which is likely to increase traffic on Alpine Road. Later, within the Hawthorns Area, it plans to provide public access to the 13-acre Hawthorns Historic Complex. ● The Town anticipates an increase in housing development over the coming years in response to RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) mandates. Additional housing will likely result in more vehicle, bicycle, and trail activity, underscoring the importance of continued attention to roadway and pathway safety.

Transportation Alternatives
As the town’s General Plan
(https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/6730/635617553047630000 ) notes “The automobile will continue to be the primary means of transportation for residents of the town because of the town's relative isolation, low density of population, and travel patterns of residents.” Transportation alternatives to the automobile include buses, ride-sharing services, taxis, cycles, e-bikes, motor bikes, scooters, skateboards, horses and more. With this wide range of options for transportation, it means that the Town needs to constantly monitor how trails, road shoulders, and sidewalks are used. Some examples include:
● The use of electric bicycles (ebikes) is increasing in Portola Valley and throughout the region. As ebike technology and usage continue to evolve, the Town may consider developing policies and route guidance consistent with state and county standards to ensure safe and appropriate integration with existing roadway and trail systems.
● Motorbikes are most prevalent on the Skyline Drive (State Highway 35) that borders Portola Valley on weekends.
● Self-driving cars are testing their algorithms on Portola Valley roads and Waymo is expanding to serve San Mateo County.
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● Self-driving trucks, drones, and robots are expected to deliver goods in the near future. ● Cars with better detection of obstacles may be the most effective way to reduce crashes where left-turning vehicles have previously collided with cyclists coming downhill.

Equity
● We aim to make our roads and paths safer for users of all ages, including the many older adults, as well as school age drivers.
● Increasing the number and quality of paved trails makes transportation for wheelchair users easier. ● Flashing beacons at crosswalks are designed to help the less able, e.g. by having audible sounds. They also alert drivers of all ages to the presence of someone crossing the road.

Goals and Objectives
Figure 3 gives goals and measurable objectives that support Portola Valley’s vision.

Goals Measurable Objectives
Promote and recommend actions to reduce crash
casualties and road deaths in Portola Valley.

From 2020 to 2024, there were 36 crashes.
43 people were injured, 13 severely.
2 pedestrians were injured.
0 fatal crashes.

Reduce crashes and the number injured by 25%.

This implies no more than 27 crashes in next 5
years.

No more than 32 people injured, 10 severely.

No more than 2 pedestrians injured.
0 fatal crashes.

Recruit at least 1 volunteer to join the BPTS
Committee whose responsibility is to liaise with the
local schools on Safe Routes and traffic safety.

Reduce the number of crashes involving cyclists
From 2020 to 2024, 23 cyclists were involved in
crashes
Increase connections with local cycling groups to
help reduce crashes.

Ensure routes used by competitive cyclists are free
of dangerous impediments and cracks.

Reduce crashes involving cyclists by at least 25%
No more than 17 reported crashes involving
cyclists.

Repair cracks and potholes reported by road users
in a timely manner or mitigate dangers with road
markings and signage until repairs are done.

Reach out to at least 5 bike clubs or groups that
organize rides to educate their members on cycling
safely through Portola Valley.

Regularly maintain infrastructure for all forms of
transport.

Maintain road junctions, sidewalks, trails, trees,
slopes, and road edges to promote safety.

Encourage signage and road marking, where
appropriate to promote safety, as well as following
town signage, lighting, and trail ordinances to
maintain a rural culture.

Review grant opportunities and apply for those that
are suitable for the town.

Monitor signage, road junctions, sidewalks, trails,
trees, slopes and road edges to promote safety.

Ensure that the schedules for new signage and road
maintenance are installed in a timely manner.

Ensure the street sweeper cleans the shoulders and
if necessary, ensure that shoulder repairs are
reported to the public works department.

Ensure that there are regular maintenance
schedules for safety initiatives like vegetation
trimming, road resurfacing, sidewalk repair,
drainage maintenance, trail maintenance.

Ensure that grant opportunities and
communications from the county are sent to the
head of the BPTS committee, since the committee
does work done by town staff in larger towns.
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Goals Measurable Objectives
Provide safe and reasonably expeditious
movement for local residents and minimize the
disruptive influences of through traffic, including
bicycle traffic.

Monitor the flow of traffic through the town and if
it causes unnecessary congestion consider reaching
out to mapping companies that direct traffic
through Portola Valley to update their algorithms.

Ensure that at least 1 BPTS member receives notice
of at least 80% of rides that require a permit to
come through Portola Valley.

Work with law enforcement.

Ensure that the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
provides the services that are documented in its
contract with the town.

Ensure that the town’s Police Commissioner works
effectively with law enforcement.

Ensure that extra services agreed to by the County
Sheriff’s Department and the town are carried out
as expected by both parties.

Measure involvement from law enforcement
BPTS will coordinate with the San Mateo County
Sheriff, and will aim to have a San Mateo County
Sheriff’s Officer attending the Town’s Bicycle,
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee meetings
each month as necessary.

BPTS will coordinate to obtain monthly reports
from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office to ensure
that citations for excessive speed, unsafe turning,
illegal parking, and other traffic infractions are
issued. BPTS will coordinate to ensure that the
Town receives 12 reports a year in a timely fashion.

Ensure that when the BPTS, Town staff, or Town
Council require Sheriff’s Deputies to close roads for
or monitor parking for Town events that they
provide high quality service to the town.

Work with the CHP to obtain literature for town
events that promote road safety.

Encourage and support traffic safety activities.

Promote traffic safety at Town events, such as the
Annual Town Picnic by offering activities like bike
rodeos and bike helmet fitting.

Educate town stakeholders on traffic safety.

Hire private (e.g. Woodside Patrol) and/or public
(e.g. San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office)
organizations to ensure safe traffic flow for major
events or activities.

Hold at least 1 evening meeting each year with
educational content on traffic safety in the Town
Center Community Hall.

If personal schedules and event rules permit, BPTS
members will aim to support at least 2 town events
per year, either by hosting a booth to educate the
public on traffic safety or by helping with event
traffic flow and parking.

Foster committee collaboration.

Ensure Town Committees work together to advise
Portola Valley Town Council on initiatives that
promote safe streets.

Work with the Portola Valley School District and
local schools, as well as the Public Works
Department, on safe routes to school so that
children can walk, cycle, skateboard, scooter, or
have other personal transportation to and from
school.

Ensure the BPTS Committee gets early access to
plans from town planners and the Planning
Commission for new communities, new streets and
redesigned home driveways.

In new developments, evaluate the opportunity for
pedestrian sidewalks. Also analyze cul-de-sacs and
recommend whether paths at the closed ends of
roads need to be built to increase safety and
mobility for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Figure 3 Goals and Objectives
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Streets, Crash Data and Hazards
Portola Valley’s streets, crash data, and a survey of stakeholders are analyzed.

Portola Valley’s Streets
In this section we observe the current condition of the roads by visiting them and using publicly available data to identify areas where traffic safety might be improved.

A Complete Streets initiative prioritizes all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, micro-mobility users, public transport, and motorists, regardless of age or ability. In Portola Valley, horses are also used for local transportation and recreation. There are public parking locations around town to tie up one’s horse.

A list of the 170 roads in Portola Valley and the surrounding areas of influence is included in Appendix B. About 100 of these roads are cul-de-sacs and very quiet roads. Many of these roads have no white lines or road signs indicating where to stop when exiting them.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, while local roads are much less traveled than State highways, they can be more dangerous than State highways. The only State highway that is within the boundary of Portola Valley is State Route 35, the Skyline Drive. It is used for recreation, as well as by commuters during the week.

Speeding motor bikes and fast cars frequent it on weekends.

An aspect of Complete Streets prioritizes underserved communities. Although Portola Valley real estate is expensive and the average salary is high, low-income workers and retirees comprise some of the underserved users that frequent town roads.

We find 5 Complete Streets within Portola Valley’s area of influence:
● Alpine and Portola Roads, the main roads accessing Portola Valley. ● Creek Park Drive – a short road parallel to Alpine Road for cars that access homes that also provides bicycle and pedestrian access to a path alongside a sports field that leads to Rossotti’s Alpine Inn restaurant.
● La Cuesta and La Mesa, the main roads accessing Ladera, are designated as Class III Bike Routes. They are in unincorporated San Mateo County.

Main Arterials - Portola and Alpine Roads
The arterial roads, Alpine and Portola Roads, need to retain their rural character as described in Part 6 of the Town’s General Plan in the sections, Alpine Scenic Corridor Plan, https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/5974/638370459881770000 , and the Portola Road Corridor Plan,
https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/6736/635617570943430000 . The Town is applying for the Alpine Road scenic corridor to be a Priority Conservation Area (PCA). In Portola Valley, the human impact is subservient to the natural environment’s impact. Portola and Alpine Roads are Complete Streets as they accommodate pedestrians and horses on trails and provide shoulders for cyclists.

From 2019 traffic counts (see Appendix C) the traffic going down Alpine Road goes from 300 autos a day near Windy Hill OpenSpace to over 12,000 closer to Ladera. The Town’s Emergency Evacuation analysis found that it would take four hours to evacuate all residents by car in the event of a fire. It has been suggested that Alpine Road construct a third lane for emergency evacuations.
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The most-used part of Alpine Road and Portola Road have 35-mph speed limit signs, with a straight section on Alpine between Westridge and Arastradero that has a 40-mph speed limit. There are 25-mph speed limit signs near schools. Buses use these roads to transport children to and from school. The infrequent bus service and limited space means that there are no separate bus lanes.

Portola and Alpine Roads form “The Loop” for cyclists of all abilities. This 11-mile loop starts where Junipero Serra meets Alpine Road, goes along Alpine and Portola Roads, then along Sand Hill back to Junipero Serra.

Children, either on an adult’s bike, or on their own small bike also ride some or all of The Loop regularly.

Faster cyclists join The Loop at Arastradero Road then follow Portola Road to the base of Old La Honda Road in Woodside. This is the most popular route to Skyline Drive and the coast. Just as Le Mans in France has a public road that is part of a circuit used by racing cars, Alpine and Portola Roads are part of a circuit that world class racing cyclists use daily for training.

The roads accommodate cyclists on their shoulders which, for most of their length, are wider than the minimum standard for Class II bike lanes (4ft, except where adjacent to on street parking when it is 5ft). It is essential that these roads are maintained without cracks and with clean shoulders. Regular road repaving includes rolling the shoulders to make them compatible with the main road surface for the comfort and safety of cyclists.

Most of the pavement for these roads is marked with a double yellow line in the middle to prohibit passing.

Sometimes, cyclists who are in a peloton or group will be in the way of cars. Drivers are confused as to whether (a) they drive closer than 3ft to the cyclists so they don’t cross the double yellow line or (b) cross the double yellow line so that they can give the cyclists 3ft clearance. Other drivers will wait behind cyclists until they have room to pass, which can cause a queue of cars to build up, frustrating some drivers.

Westridge
In Westridge, there are nearly 50 roads, with the main thoroughfares being Westridge Drive, Cervantes Road, and Golden Oak Drive. The secondary roads in this area provide access through very quiet residential neighborhoods, with a significant portion of the roads being cul-de-sacs. Very few cul-de-sacs are marked with STOP signs and white lines at intersections. Some cul-de-sacs may require white lines painted at junctions and stop or yield signage.

Ormondale Elementary School is at the bottom of Westridge. A one-way traffic scheme is operational at school drop-off and pick-up times to reduce traffic congestion and increase safety.

Trails are preferred to sidewalks in Westridge as they are favored by the area’s horse riders. Scenic trails connect Westridge with many trails and confusing signage. There are a few trails, paths, and cul–de-sacs in lower Westridge suitable for bicycles to cut between roads.

The main Westridge roads are used by cyclists for recreation and hill-training. As they are too narrow for separate cycle lanes, they could be marked with sharrows. Sharrows are road marks in the middle of road lanes to show they are shared between autos and cyclists.

Portola Valley Ranch
Portola Valley Ranch, with over 200 houses developed in the 1970s and 1980s, has sidewalks alongside virtually all its roads. Trails connect some of the roads and also access Coal Mine Ridge hiking area.

Corte Madera Middle School is located in the Ranch area. Cars and school buses create traffic congestion at school opening and closing times. Crosswalks assist pedestrians near the school. 158
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Unincorporated San Mateo County
Ladera and Los Trancos Woods are in unincorporated San Mateo County. Both are hilly for cyclists, and both have trails for pedestrians in a few areas. These residential areas rely on cars for transportation.

Ladera has a recreation center and Woodland School for K-8 grades. In the final year, students address challenges with a Capstone project. See Appendix D, where a student, Patrick, notes that traffic congestion can cause psychological stress.

Crash Data
Crashes from January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2024
The data comes from UC Berkeley’s TIMS database that analyzes and geocodes crash data logged in the SWITRS database. The CHP uploads data into SWITRS for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. For public, interactive access, iSWITRS has been replaced by the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), an Open Data set.

From January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2024, 89 crashes were reported in or close to Portola Valley. Of these crashes, 85 are shown on the map in Figure 4. The 4 unmapped crashes were all on Alpine Road. Eight of the 89 crashes were outside the boundary of Portola Valley, so 77 crashes mapped are actually in Portola Valley, as shown by the blue shaded area in Figure 4. Pedestrians were involved in 4 crashes, motorcycles in 3 and bicycles in 51 (57%).

Figure 4 Crash locations from 2013 to 2024 – 85 out of 89 mapped (Source: TIMS) 159
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Alpine Road had 34 crashes and Portola Road had 31. Over 70% of crashes were on the Town’s two major roads.

Three of the 7 crashes for which the primary road was Westridge, were at the top of that road near the junction with Cervantes. The only State Highway in Portola Valley is Skyline Drive and it had 4 crashes.

One person was killed, a single 23-year-old male, who crashed on Portola Road in 2015, and 104 injured, 19 suspected seriously and 51 with suspected minor injury, others had unknown injuries.

The high incidence of bicycle crashes is under-represented as many cyclists do not report them to law enforcement. In a typical crash, a cyclist may break a clavicle or get grazed with road rash, then go home in pain before going to hospital. Appendix E shows a heat map from the fitness tracking app, Strava, used mainly by cyclists. It shows activity through Westridge. It also estimates that 2% of male cyclists exceed the speed limit going down Alpine Road.

The Most Dangerous Intersections
Figure 5 lists the number of crashes within 250 feet of an intersection. As can be seen the top 2 intersections are at Alpine Road & Arastradero Road, with 7 collisions, and at Portola Road & Westridge Drive, with 6 collisions.

The next three junctions, Alpine Road & Los Trancos, Alpine Road & Portola Road and Portola Road & Stonegate Road (which is very close to Westridge Drive) all had 5 collisions near them.

Figure 5 Crash Counts by Ranked by Intersection for 85 of 89 crashes mapped (Source: TIMS) On Friday June 6th, 2025, the BPTS Committee voted for the top three intersections to investigate for improving traffic safety, based on community feedback as well as crash data:
● Alpine Road and Arastradero
● Portola Road and Westridge
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● Alpine Road and Los Trancos
Appendix F gives details on the crashes that occurred at these locations from 2013 to 2024 with detailed maps.

All 18 crashes, at these top crash locations, involved cyclists who were injured, some seriously. Most of the crashes involved a car turning into the path of the cyclist. Many of the drivers were older adults. Cyclists were sometimes at fault for speeding. None of the drivers in these crashes was reported to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Time of Crashes
The highest frequency of crashes occurs on Saturdays between 9 am and 3 pm, as shown in Figure 6. This period coincides with increased recreational traffic, particularly with hikers visiting Portola Valley. Many of these crashes occurred on Portola Road near the Windy Hill trailhead. Two crashes were at the junction of WIllowbrook and Alpine Road. This is a trailhead for Windy Hill and Coalmine Ridge trails.

Despite the Town being a Dark Sky Town with no streetlights, there are relatively few crashes in the dark. During late afternoon and evening hours, Fridays experienced the highest frequency of crashes, with 8 crashes between 3 pm and midnight.

Figure 6 Number of Crashes per Day of Week per Time
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Drunk or Drug Impaired Driving
Seven of the crashes involved alcohol and Figure 7 shows that they are more likely to be on the smaller roads.

Alcohol impaired drivers tend to hit fixed objects. Two additional alcohol-related crashes occurred just outside the Town limits, in the neighboring communities of Ladera and Woodside.

Figure 7 Crashes where alcohol or drugs were a factor
A couple in their 30s sustained serious injuries late at night near Paloma Road on Westridge. A 63-year-old man on Golden Oak near Alpine Road, just before 7 pm, complained of pain after hitting a fixed object. Another solo driver aged 25 complained of pain when he hit a fixed object near the junction of Alpine Road and Willowbrook just after 1 am. A 59-year-old female, also complained of pain after hitting a fixed object just before 10 pm on Los Trancos Road as she made an improper turn.

On a Friday, after 3 pm, 3 (33%) of these crashes involved alcohol. One was a 20-year-old male who drove 2 male passengers off Alpine Road, just west of Indian Crossing. Another was a 51-year-old solo male who was heading towards Alpine Road on Portola Road and hit an object. The third was a solo 46-year-old male who made an unsafe turn and hit a parked vehicle up Golden Oak from the Alpine Hills Swim and Tennis Club. 162
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School Areas
Figure 8 shows dots, representing 19 crashes, within half a mile of Corte Madera Middle School from 2013 to 2024. All of these crashes happened on a weekday.

Bicycles were involved in 11 (58%) of these crashes, 6 were between a bike and a car or truck, one crash involved 4 bikes, and the final bike crash involved a solo rider. None of these incidents involved a Corte Madera school-age child. The age of people involved in the crashes ranged from 16 (cyclist) to 94 (car driver), with an average of 49. Of the 31 victims, 25 were male. Three of the crashes involved alcohol or drugs.

Figure 8 Crashes around Corte Madera Middle School
Appendix F details the crashes around Corte Madera School. It was found that all the crashes involved cyclists and none involved schoolchildren.

There were 19 crashes within half a mile of Ormondale Elementary School as shown in Figure 9. Some of these crashes are the same as those included above that are within half a mile of Corte Madera School, close to Woodside Priory private school. Three of the crashes were near the crossroads at Cervantes and Westridge, while all the others were on Portola Road. Bicycles were involved in 14 (74%) of the crashes. All the cyclists were male, except for one 59-year-old woman.
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Figure 9 Crashes around Ormondale Elementary School
Severity of Crashes
The severity of the 89 crashes in Portola Valley’s area of influence is shown in Figure 10 below.

Crash Severity Count %
1 - Fatal 1 1.12%
2 - Injury (Severe) 19 21.35%
3 - Injury (Other Visible) 49 55.06%
4 - Injury (Complaint of Pain) 20 22.47%
Figure 10 Crash Severity
It should be noted that many bicycle accidents and minor car crashes go unreported. The County LRSP notes that in Portola Valley, the number of crashes with severe injuries from 2020-2022 during COVID (10 crashes, all 10 involving bicycles, in which 14 people were seriously injured) was higher than from 2017-2019 (5 crashes, 3 involving bicycles and 10 people seriously injured).
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Numbers for more recent three years from 2022 to 2024 came down lower to 6 crashes, 6 involving bicycles and 6 people seriously injured. Almost all of these injuries were on Alpine and Portola Roads, exceptions being 2 on Westridge in the 2017-2019 timeframe and 2 in Portola Valley Ranch in the 2020-2022 timeframe.

In the 2020-2022 timeframe, during COVID, the higher number of crashes was in part because Portola Valley saw more recreational visitors than usual as evidenced by counting cars around hiking areas and speaking with cycling clubs and bike shop owners. Hikers brought more cars than usual to the area. Cyclists were often new to the sport or new to the area.

Types of Crashes
The types of crashes that occur in Portola Valley are shown in Figure 11. Almost a third of crashes involved hitting a fixed object, especially when under the influence of alcohol. Broadside crashes that may occur when someone turns across the road and hits another road user were described in 15% of the crashes. Rear end collisions (10%) sometimes occur where there are no center turn lanes. When car drivers turn left across the road at a junction, cyclists coming downhill in the opposite direction are sometimes hit. Many of the “Not Stated” types of crash were at locations where this type of crash occurs. The double yellow lines down most of Alpine and Portola Roads mean that there are relatively few head-on collisions.

Type of Crash Count %
Not Stated 34 42.5%
Hit Object 23 28.8%
Broadside 12 15.0%
Rear End 8 10.0%
Overturned 7 8.8%
Sideswipe 2 2.5%
Vehicle/Pedestrian 2 2.5%
Head-On 1 1.3%
Figure 11 Crash Type
Crashes involving Bicycles
Portola Valley is heavily used by cyclists from all over the Bay Area. As noted earlier, 51 out of 89 crashes involved cyclists. The severity and location of crashes involving cyclists is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12 Severity and Location of Crashes Involving Cyclists (Source: TIMS) 165
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Crashes tend to be on the arterial roads which form part of the cycle route, “The Loop”. When Portola and Alpine Roads are resurfaced, the shoulders also need resurfacing and rolling to keep them safe for cyclists.

The TIMS project ranks junctions for crashes involving cyclists as shown in Figure 13. This is very similar to the ranking for all crashes. At the main junction in Portola Valley, where Alpine and Portola Roads meet, there are relatively few accidents involving cyclists. Law enforcement regularly cites drivers of cars and bicycles for not stopping at the STOP signs at this junction.

Figure 13 Number of Cycling Crashes Ranked by Intersection (Source: TIMS) Natural Hazards
Details of natural hazards – earthquakes, fire, and landslides – are given with maps in Appendix G. In addition, animals are frequently seen crossing Portola Valley roads and can create hazards.

Earthquakes
Archives show photographs of the 1906 earthquake when the San Andreas Fault ruptured Portola Valley tracks.

Portola Valley is in an area where violent and severe shaking is a real risk.

The Town’s Geological Safety Committee has created a map, shown in Figure 14. Red dots indicate where faults cross town roads. Repeated earth tremors and minor earthquakes along the faults can cause road cracks and bumps. Rough road surfaces are particularly dangerous for cyclists who can easily get a wheel in a crack or get thrown by a bump.
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The location of faults that cross northern Portola Valley and southern Portola Valley are shown in more detail in two maps in Appendix G. Faults crossing roads include those on:
● Alpine Road and Westridge Drive near the junction of the two roads ● Alpine Road at junctions with Los Trancos Road, Portola Road, Groveland ● On Portola Road near the Woodside Priory School and near the Town Center ● On Willowbrook Drive near Portola Road
Regular road inspection at these fault crossings is vital to ensure that seismic activity does not impede road users. In some cases, crack repairs or other road maintenance may be needed because of the stress put on the roads at fault locations.

Figure 14 Locations where Geological Faults Cross Portola Valley Roads 167
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Fire
The roadside environment presents a fire risk during the dry summer months, as vehicles with hot exhaust systems can ignite nearby dry grass or vegetation. Although electric car battery fires are rare, they also present a potential hazard. Egress routes and exits are required in parking lots to ensure cars can evacuate and escape in case of disaster. A concern is Rossotti’s Alpine Inn parking lot which is also used by recreation soccer players. It has one main entrance and a secondary emergency exit that is not clearly visible to the public.

If the Town is impacted and needs to evacuate due to a wildfire event – particularly if caused by seismic activity on the San Andreas Fault that makes Portola Road impassible – then Alpine Road and Arastradero Road would not have the capacity to evacuate residents efficiently.

Portola Valley has draft sketches on options for converting Alpine Road into a 3-lane road for emergency evacuation – 2 lanes leading away from the Town and a third lane for incoming emergency services. The Town’s General Plan (paragraph 3110) states that Alpine Road “should remain as a two-lane road within the Town limits”.

Landslides
The sandy soils and clays in Portola Valley together with steep hills make some roadsides prone to landslides.

The 1998 El Niño storms closed upper Alpine Road for nine months as there were more than 30 landslides. In 2015, a retaining wall was built on Alpine Road opposite Arastradero Road so that the shoulder could be widened to improve the safety of cyclists. The wall prevented earth moving down into the road.

To ensure roads and shoulders remain free of soil and rocks, more retaining walls, slope reinforcement, or road engineering may be needed.

Animals
In the crash data, deer hits are rarely mentioned. However, many go unreported. On January 13, 2025, a dead female mountain lion was found on Portola Road and a diligent search by town residents, with the aid of cameras, enabled 3 cubs to be rescued. Turkeys, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, possums, skunks, squirrels, and other animals frequently cross the roads.

The Town has some warning signs for deer crossings, however more signage may encourage road users to slow down for animals and promote traffic safety. Deer can also jump out, particularly in the fall during the rutting season, and cause cyclists to be ejected as they swerve or brake suddenly.

Observations from Residents
Results from an Informal Survey
In June 2025, the BPTS Local Streets Subcommittee conducted a quick survey on the Town’s bulletin board, PVForum, receiving 67 replies from residents with suggestions and concerns. 168
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Drivers’ Concerns
66 out of 67 drivers shared their concerns. The responses are shown in Figure 15.

Driver Concern %
concerned
Number
concerned
I am worried that I won't be able to exit Portola Valley in a timely fashion if there's a fire or other hazard
59% 39
People drive too fast 44% 29
I'm scared I'll hit a cyclist 33% 22
I'm afraid I'll hit a deer or other animal or bird 26% 17 I don't know whether to cross a double yellow line or leave a 3ft gap between me and a cyclist on Alpine and/or Portola Roads 20% 13
Cars drive too closely to me so if I brake someone might rear-end me 18% 12 Big vehicles park or block my view in awkward places so I cannot see 12% 8 I worry about self-driving cars coming on town roads 12% 8 I'm scared I'll hit a jogger who is on the shoulder 8% 5 As I back cautiously out of my parking space because a big vehicle parked next to me blocks my view, another vehicle speeds past nearly hitting me
5% 3
Too many people have dark-colored cars which I don't see well 3% 2 I need better passing places on my road 3% 2
I need a STOP sign and white lines to show where to stop at the end of my road
2% 1
None of the above 8% 5
Figure 15 Driver Concerns
Concerns and Issues from Public Outreach and the Informal Survey Concerns and issues that have been raised by the public in the Informal Survey, input for the County LRSP Plan, Public Meetings, and Public Outreach include:
● Speed
o Speed – some say the cars go too fast – one person thinks the speed limits are too slow o The need for drivers, cyclists and other shoulder users (e.g. skateboarders) to control speed o The need to reduce speeding, with suggestions for flow and speed control measures like roundabouts
o Drivers are tail gating – how can we make them back off? o Add flat roundabouts on key intersections on Alpine Road to curb speeding and improve traffic flow, e.g. at Golden Oak
● Road Signs
o The use of flashing signs at town crosswalks
o Better signs like STOP signs on Westridge where roads connect to Westridge, Cervantes, and Golden Oak
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● Parking
o A high volume of traffic occurs near Rossotti’s Alpine Inn which reopened to great popularity in August 2019. In particular, there has been high demand for preventing parking near the junctions of Arastradero Road and Golden Oak with Alpine Road. Also there has been demand for a new parking lot entrance and dedicated parking for the adjacent sports field. o An increase in hikers since the COVID pandemic puts pressure on parking spaces, especially for Windy Hill and Coalmine Ridge trails.
o The Hawthorns, an open space property, will open to the public and provide parking Residents are concerned about overflow parking, damage to scenic values, and traffic turning into the open space.
o Construction workers block roads.
o Golden Oak Drive is narrow, winding and dangerous to all other users when vehicles park there. ● Weak enforcement of traffic laws
o Motorists are rarely cited for speeding.
o Those violating “No Parking” restrictions are rarely cited. ● Cyclists
o Cyclists are against speed humps to control traffic as it can cause them to fly off their bikes. o Cyclists don’t like bulb outs that can be made to shorten the distance people have to cross the road, as cyclists can crash into them or be forced into the path of cars to avoid them. o Drivers are unable to pass cyclists sometimes without going over double yellow lines, so they may give the cyclists less than 3 ft space.
o The need for bike lanes on Skyline Drive.
o Many don't want the shoulder on Alpine to be a green bike lane, just clean it up for bikes to use. o Many Portola Valley residents are afraid to cycle and, demand Class I, totally separated bike lanes
o There is a paved bike trail along Alpine Road, but according to the Town trail map for a school child to get from Corte Madera School to the Alpine Hills Swim and Tennis Club requires two crossings of Alpine Road. The trail has a couple of steep sections and is not managed or marked as a Class I trail, it ends near the Ladera Oaks Club. Some residents wish that there was a better separated trail along Alpine Road. Others wish for a Class I trail that connects with Stanford campus trails.
o Need clear bike lane on Alpine. Class I bike lane. Would also love to have Class 1 bike lane from Town Center to the school. Maybe on the other side there could be an equestrian trail. o Bicycle pelotons - too many bicyclists ride side by side and make it challenging for cars to get by.

Then car drivers get annoyed and do unsafe things.
o Cyclists do not follow road rules and ride several people abreast making for unsafe driving and walking.
o Cyclists take blind turns fast – particularly in the narrower parts of Alpine Road. o Add a dirt bike trail on Corte Madera.
● Pedestrians
o Walkers wear dark clothing instead of reflective clothing or bright colors. o Pedestrians may have the right of way to cross streets, but foolishly walk in front of cars that are nearby and have no time to stop safely.
o Some run in the shoulder, making it difficult for cyclists to avoid them, instead of using the unpaved trails along the main arterial roads.
● Signage
o Trail signage needs improving, both on roads and trails, to inform cyclists where they can ride. 170
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● Sidewalks
o Tree roots and cracks are destroying sidewalks and need better maintenance. o On some roads, such as Corte Madera which is near a middle school, there is no trail or sidewalk for pedestrians.
o Lower Los Trancos Road needs a sidewalk or better paths from PV Ranch to Alpine Road. ● Junctions
o Drivers coming on the right of cars that are waiting to turn left when there is no turn lane in the middle of the road.
o Other turns off Alpine and Portola Roads were mentioned where vehicles cross shoulders with cyclists.
o Cars join Sausal from side streets ignoring children racing down the street. ● Evacuations
o Part of Alpine needs an extra evacuation lane or a bike trail that can be used as a third lane for evacuations.

Appendix H has more comments from residents and Appendix I has results of an informal online survey.

Strategies
Our Approach
As an advisory committee, the BPTS, works with the Town Council and Public Works Department, as well as other stakeholders (e.g. schools) to formulate annual priorities for road and trail user safety. Priorities come from issues raised at monthly BPTS Committee meetings, Town Council meetings, Town events, and in the widely used online town group, PVForum. Town Staff also report issues. The BPTS committee also takes into account trends, planned Town expansion, and external influences.

Budgets for traffic safety are determined as part of the Town Public Works budget by Town staff and are approved by the Town Council. The BPTS committee has a small budget for its activities, e.g. to support a “Bike To Work Day” energizer station and Town picnic exhibit tables.

Grants for traffic safety improvements are typically submitted and edited by the Town’s head of Public Works, with input and data collection from the BPTS Committee members and other volunteers. The Town may hire consultants with specific expertise to help define and implement execution plans. The Town Council receives regular presentations from the Public Works Department and the BPTS committee to approve plans.

The Town follows its General Plan, Town Ordinances, and Town Council decisions. In most cases, the Town will follow the Caltrans standards, however it may choose to make signs that are more aesthetically in harmony with its rural surroundings. Town Ordinance 10.12.030 states “The Town traffic engineer may also place and maintain or cause to place and maintain such additional traffic-control devices as he may deem necessary or proper to regulate traffic or to guide or warn traffic, but he shall make such determination only upon the basis of traffic engineering principles and traffic investigations and in accordance with such standards, limitations, and rules as may be set forth in this title or as may be determined by ordinance or resolution of the council.” Education – Driver, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Equestrians
Our main outreach to Town residents and stakeholders is through our monthly BPTS committee meetings and at town events like the Town picnic. We also have information on the Town website and Town newsletter. For example, there is information about cyclists who come through Town on https://www.portolavalley.net/community/community-conversations-and-interests/pelotons-in-portola-valley . 171
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Barriers To Overcome
Portola Valley’s main constraint is a resource shortage:
● As a small town, Portola Valley does not have the ability to get high scores on all the criteria to get grants – for example we are not in an Equity Priority Area and we do not have frequent public transit. ● Portola Valley’s Public Works Department has one office employee and occasionally hires a consulting engineer.
● In 2024, the Town’s Public Works Department total expenses were $592K, the 2024-2025 budget for Town projected revenues of $11M and expenditures and transfers of just under $14M. So the public works expenses are projected to be 4.2% of Town expenditures.

Other barriers include:
● The Town’s terrain and geology make road and trail engineering costly. ● Telephone or power poles are challenging to replace or move. ● Vegetation may obstruct the road, either in full or partially, by falling or flaming branches ● Difficulties in communicating safe practices to town visitors. For example, a visiting hiker may not realize it is safer to park at the Town Center instead of on Portola Road when hiking Windy Hill. Visitors may not realize how many bikes come from behind, some at a fast pace, and may open their car door before checking the rear-view mirror. “Getting doored” refers to a collision between a cyclist and a car door that is suddenly opened into the cyclist's path. Dooring can result in the rider being thrown over the handlebars resulting in serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and even fatalities. ● Difficulties in communicating safe practices to workers in the Town – many workers in the Town are cleaners, gardeners and caterers for private homes who may be hard to reach with road safety information, in part because they aren’t participating in town events, town online websites, or reading Portola Valley news – many are disadvantaged as their mother tongue is not English.

Priorities
Commitment to Safe Practices
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has safe practice recommendations. Portola Valley considers it a priority to follow proven safe practices:
● Child Safety
o Work with schools and at town events to make children and parents aware of safe practices, particularly when going to and from school on Safe Routes. o Ensure that there are traffic wardens to help children cross the road coming home from school. o Ensure parents know how to use car seats to keep children safe and ensure they are not left in a car, particularly in hot weather.
o In shopping areas and when crossing driveways, educate children how to avoid cars which are backing up.
o Ensure children know how to catch a driver’s attention before crossing a road. ● Drivers
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o Encourage older drivers to take tests and classes for lower insurance rates o The Sequoias continuing care community in Portola Valley supports residents as they become too old to drive.
o Remind drivers at Town events and online on safe speeds, animal hazards, and braking distances. o Ensure law enforcement cites those with speed limit violations, parking restrictions, and mandatory sign violations.
o Remind the Town’s bartenders not to let drunk patrons drive after drinking. ● Pedestrian Safety
o Encourage runners to use the trails rather than the road shoulder. o Promote options for being well-lit at night at Town events – reflective clothing, headlights, wearable lights, mobile device lights.
o Encourage the use of lighted crosswalks.
o Add bright orange flags that pedestrians can wave as they cross the road. o Where there is no sidewalk, encourage pedestrians to face oncoming traffic. ● Bikers – Cyclists, Motor Bikers, eBikers
o Promote helmet use.
o Encourage them to obey the rules of the road.
o Advise bikers to use “wide eyes” and bike defensively, particularly at road junctions and when going fast.
o Ensure professional cyclists have good road surfaces to practice riding in a peloton, pace line and hill-climbing.

Maintain Portola Valley’s Rural Environment
• Ensure signs are relevant and do not clutter the scenic byways. • Keep the skies dark, even though lights may improve safety, very few crashes occur in the dark. • Maintain safe infrastructure that makes the sides of the roads look rural. • Only use colored surfaces on the roads where they will improve road safety.

Use Caltrans Standards Where Appropriate
• Portola Valley uses Caltrans standards where appropriate. Caltrans documents that detail standards and procedures most applicable to Portola Valley include, but are not limited to, the following:
o Standard Specifications
o Standard Plans
o CA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
o CA Highway Design Manual
o Maintenance Manual
o Design Information Bulletins
• Where a sign is needed that is not Caltrans approved, work with the public works engineer and Town Council to develop a suitable sign, for example as a memorial for a mountain lion death. 173
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Social Equity
Portola Valley is committed to making the roads safe for all road users. Portola Valley is not in a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) or Equity Priority Community (EPC). However, one EPC criteria that applies to Portola Valley is having 8% or more residents over the age of 75. Portola Valley has 16% of its population over the age of 80.

In part, EPC’s are determined by resident demographics. In a town where the ratio of visitors to residents is high, one has to also consider the demographics of visitors. Many of the drivers and cyclists who come to work or hike in Portola Valley have low income, limited English proficiency and a significant rent burden.

Analysis in the County LRSP
The County LRSP, adopted as a Final Draft in June 2024, shows two roads of concern with a relatively high number of injuries for Portola Valley, based on analysis from 2018-2022:
● Portola Road, from the western Town limit to Alpine Road ● Alpine Road, from Corte Madera Road to the northern Town limit Table 82 in the County Plan, shown in Figure 16, took into account crash severity as well as location, analyzing Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO – weighting factors for injury severity and property damage).

Figure 16 Portola Valley Top Equivalent Property Damage Only Areas Potential Portola Valley Projects
This section discusses potential projects, locations, the ease of implementation, rough incremental cost (e.g. if resurfacing a road then redoing the striping has a lower incremental cost than if it were to be done without a resurfacing project), priority, timeframe for implementation, and impact in Figure 17. In addition, Portola Valley’s 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study has additional, detailed recommendations, particularly around schools and at Town crosswalks.
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
SIGNAGE and ROAD MARKINGS
Signage or lights at
junctions with the
top 3 number of
crashes to warn
vehicles of
downhill bikes
Alpine and
Portola Road
high priority
junctions
Easy if no
sensors,
more
complicated
with sensors
$ to
$$
A 1-3 yrs Helps reduce crashes when
vehicle turns left into a
cyclist. May require sensors
that light a sign for a driver
when a cyclist is coming
downhill or sign for a cyclist
when a car is about to turn.

Road markings may also be
helpful.

Sharrows (painted
in the middle of a
traffic lane to show
that bicycles can
use the road)
Roads where
cyclists and
vehicles need
to share the
road
Easy when
resurfacing
the road
$ A Road
repair
time
Encourage cyclists to be
clearly visible to motorists
and reduce motorist
frustration when they feel
blocked by a cyclist that can
lead to a road rage crash.

Trail signs to
indicate where
mountain bikes are
allowed and
warnings of
junctions for trail
riders
Town trails,
especially ones
where cycling is
only allowed
for Safe Routes
to School
B $$ B 1-3 yrs Safer for horses, cyclists and
pedestrians on trails.

Signage and white
lines at approaches
to busier roads
Where cul-desacs meet
Westridge and
Cervantes
Easy when
resurfacing
the road
$ B Road
repair
time
Improves safety in
Westridge, priorities are
where there are blind hills
and corners
Reflectors on
obstacles and
sharp turns
Where risk of
hitting an
object is high
Easy $ B Quick
build
Reduce crashes that occur
when vehicles hit fixed
objects.

Improved cycle
route signs for
cyclists and
accompanying
road markings
Alpine, Portola
Rds. At
junctions and
entrances to
biking trails
Easy $ B Road
repair
times
1-5 yrs
Helps cyclists find the most
appropriate routes.

Mitigations for
dazzling sun –
signage and
window cleaning
Portola Road
and junctions
off Alpine Road
A $ B 1-2 yrs Dazzling sun makes it
difficult for drivers to see
cyclists. Signs, driver
education, and window
cleaning at garages helps
reduce the risk of crashes
caused by glare.

Flashing lights on
STOP signs
Existing STOP
signs
Easy if solarpowered$ C 3-8 yrs Remind motorists to STOP, frees law enforcement to
focus on speeders
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
Animal warning
signs
Town entrances
and known
animal
crossings
Easy $ C 3-8 yrs May slow first-time visitors
to the Town. Reinforces
respect for the Town’s rural
values.

SPEED CONTROL and TRAFFIC FLOW
Increase speeding
violation citations
Portola Road,
Alpine Road,
Westridge,
Cervantes
A $ A Now Work with law enforcement
to ensure that speeding is
curbed – cost should be
included in the current fees
to San Mateo County
Sheriff’s Department.

Illuminated speed
signs with license
plate reading
On Portola and
Alpine Roads
B $$ A 1-3 yrs Show motorists’ speeds and
capture license plates to
identify stolen vehicles and
reduce crime
Traffic flow around
the Priory School
Portola Road,
Gambetta Lane
C $$$ B 2-5 yrs Consider a left turn lane in
Portola Road to reduce cars
going in the shoulder to race
past cars waiting to turn into
the Priory
Clear lines of sight,
vegetation
management
Junctions on
Alpine and
Portola Roads
A $$ A Ongoing Ensure vegetation is
trimmed to ensure drivers
can see other road users,
pedestrians, cyclists and
signs.

Speed humps On roads where
speeding is
reported
C $$ B Road
repair
time
Objections from emergency
services and cyclists are the
main obstacles, but they are
highly likely to reduce
speed, a key concern of
residents and a leading
cause of crashes. Consider
speed bumps that have
openings for cyclists.

Speed cameras
with ability to cite
speed limit
violators
On Portola and
Alpine Roads
C $$$ B 5-10 yrs Reduces # of unsafe speed
crashes
Improve traffic
flow at the Alpine
Swim and Tennis
Club
Exit from the
Alpine Swim
and Tennis Club
car park via
Creek Park
Drive
C $$$ B 2-5 yrs Traffic entering or leaving
the Alpine Swim and Tennis
Club gets congested. A
second exit could alleviate
congestion on Alpine and
Arastradero Roads.
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
Outreach to
mapping
companies
Entire Town of
Portola Valley
D $$ C 3-5 yrs Work with mapping
companies and encourage
residents to report errors on
maps – for example trails
where cycling is prohibited
are on Google maps.

Encourage directions from
online maps that avoid
Portola Valley where
possible.

Roundabouts Alpine and
Portola Road
junction,
Alpine/Los
Trancos, Alpine
& Stanford
Terrace, Portola
Rd and
Westridge
D $$$$ C 3-5 years Controls speed. Improves
traffic flow for school traffic
and makes right of way
clearer than a 3-way STOP at
Portola/Alpine Junction

SCHOOLS
Ensure all school
crosswalks are
yellow near
schools and
crosswalks either
have lights or flags
Check all areas
near schools
B $$ A Road
repair
time
By providing safe areas for
children, crossing guards
and guardians to cross near
schools. A crossing can also
slow traffic in the vicinity of
a school.

Ensure school
driveways have
traffic control signs
School traffic
areas
B $$ B 1-2 yrs Possibly one-way signs, no
parking signs and STOP
signs. When cars exit school
car parks there need to be
STOP signs.

Set school speed
zones to 15 mph
Near schools C $$ B 1-2 yrs Cars have been observed
rushing to school when no
police are nearby. By setting
lower school speed limits it
may reduce crashes,
although congestion may
increase, requires careful
analysis. Residents on
Shawnee Pass request speed
bumps.

Reclaim the trail at
the edge of Corte
Madera Road to
make a Safe Route
to School
Corte Madera
Road
C $$$ B 2-5 yrs Make a safer route to Corte
Madera School alongside
Corte Madera Road
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
Reroute traffic at
Corte Madera
School
Consider exiting
the parking lot
at the front of
the school
opposite
Horseshoe
Bend
Improved traffic Flow
Metering lights to
control school
congestion
Near schools C $$ D 3-5 yrs To improve traffic safety and flow at Ormondale, consider
metering the traffic.

CYCLISTS
Outreach to Cycle
Clubs
Online and in
club news
C $ A Now Aim is to reduce crashes
with cyclists. Warn of likely
crash situations with the
goal of reducing crashes.

Contact cycling
ride organizers
with a media
campaign
Listed orgs. in
this plan.

B $ A 1-2 yrs Consider posting on social
media sites of ride
organizers as well as writing
in their newsletters to
inform cyclists of risks in
Portola Valley.

Trail warning signs Where a trail
crosses a road
B $$ C 3-8 yrs Reduces likelihood of a
motorist not seeing a
pedestrian or cyclist on a
trail, for example for cars
exiting Ford Field or a school
entrance.

Warnings for
cyclists of crash
site junctions
Near junctions,
particularly on
Alpine and
Portola Road
where cyclists
go downhill.

B $$ B 1-3 yrs To reduce crashes because
of traffic turning across a
cyclist’s path – even if the
cyclist has the right of way it
is often prudent for a cyclist
to stop to avoid serious
injuries. Warnings may
involve signs or road
markings which may require
posts or green road areas.

Update Town
notices and the
website with
information about
pelotons and ride
licenses.

Online and at
Town meetings
C $ B Each
year
Provide warning to residents
of regular pelotons and rides
coming through Portola
Valley.
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
Make a Class I bike
lane alongside
Alpine from
Portola Road to
Ladera
Parallel to
Alpine Road
C $$$ B 2-4 yrs Safe route for children to go
from school to Alpine Hills
and Ladera Oaks Tennis
Clubs, work with both San
Mateo and Santa Clara
Counties and Stanford to
connect with other Class I
trails. The existing trail
needs widening in some
places and leveling in others
and at least one tree needs
to be removed.

Paved Class I bike
lane
At the end of
Georgia Lane to
Iroquois Trail
and Ormondale
School
C $$ C 4-6 yrs Safe route to school for
Ormondale and parents –
reduces car traffic at
Ormondale. Also, for
recreational cyclists to avoid
pedestrian/cyclist conflicts.

Paved Class I bike
lane
From the Town
center to Alpine
Road
D $$$$ C >5 yrs This enables older adults to
get to Roberts supermarket
from the Sequoias, children
to bike or walk safely
between schools, shops and
the library as well as
providing a path for
recreational users.

Separated paved
bike lane on
Skyline Drive 35
State route 35 E $$$ E >5 yrs To reduce crashes on Skyline Drive and enable cyclists to
go more safely between 84
(Woodside Road) and Page
Mill Road – would need to
work with Caltrans and
other jurisdictions on the
route.

PEDESTRIANS and CROSSWALKS
Improve
deteriorating
sidewalks
Portola Valley
Ranch and
other locations
$$ A Road
repair
time
Sidewalks are deteriorating
in Portola Valley Ranch and
can be resurfaced with extra
budget after road surfacing
activities.

Flashing lights on
crosswalks
Existing
crosswalks that
don’t have
lights
$$ B? $$ B 5 yrs Review all crosswalks,
especially near crash sites,
e.g. Westridge and Portola
Rd, to implement lights
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
New crosswalks
near new buildings
and trail access
Near Stanford
Terrace & Open
Space areas as
necessary
$$$C? $$$ B 3 yrs Ensure safe crossing for new
residents and near new
trails
Ensure hiking trails
are accessed by
crosswalks if
access is from a
busy road
Portola Road at
Echo Lane,
Alpine Road
near Hillbrook
C $$$ D 3-5 yrs With additional housing,
roads are likely to get busier

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Outreach to law
enforcement
BPTS meetings A $ A Now Ensure the Sheriff’s Office
provides timely reports of
crashes and citations each
month. Encourage law
enforcement personnel to
speak at town events.

Outreach to
drivers
Various C $ A Now Work with the Sequoias on
their programs and use
town events to promote
safe driving habits.

Outreach at Town
events and online
Various A $ A Ongoing
at events
Educate the public on
accident hotspots, how to
reduce crashes, explain how
to avoid cyclists on the road
Work with the
schools on Safe
Routes
BPTS Meetings C $ A Ongoing Ensure a person is recruited to liaise between the BPTS
committee and schools.

BPTS Committee
Evening Meeting
Town center B $ A Now Aim is to share crash data,
videos and ways to reduce
crashes. Also, an
opportunity for residents to
share locations of concern.

Outreach to bars
and restaurants
Various C $ A 1-2 yrs Ensure that bartenders help
drinkers get a ride if they are
unfit to drive.

PARKING
Parking plan
implementation
for Town-owned
parking lots
Town parking
areas
B $$ A 1-3 yrs Safer car
Windy Hill Hiker
No Parking Signs
Near Windy Hill
entrances
A $ A Now Add no parking signs on
Alpine, Willowbrook, and
Portola Roads near Windy
Hill
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Project Locations How
Hard?
A to F
(Easiest to
hardest)
Cost
$ low
$$$$
high
Priority
A to F
(Highest
to
lowest
When Impact/Notes
Alpine Inn No
Parking Signs
Around Alpine
Inn
A $$ A Now Consider no U-turn signs on
Golden Oak and going into
Arastradero Rd on the San
Mateo side.

Open Space
Parking
Near Open
Space hiking
trails
C $$$ B Ongoing Work with MROSP on
parking for both Windy Hill
and the Hawthorns,
consider using some of the
field next to the current
Windy Hill parking lot.

EMERGENCY PLANS
2 nd exit from the
Alpine Inn car park,
signage and paving
Use existing
route along
soccer field.

Merge Alpine
Hills Swim &
Tennis Club exit
and Creek Park
to make a wider
alternative
route from the
Alpine Inn
parking lot.

C $$$ A 3-10 yrs Safe evacuation in case of
road blockage at the main
car park entrance, better car
park traffic flow. Consider
having one way traffic from
Arastradero into Rossotti’s
with two way exit onto
Alpine Road.

Signs to inform
residents how to
find evacuation
routes
Areas
surrounding
Portola Valley
B $$ B 1-3 yrs May save lives if main
arterial roads are blocked.
3 rd lane option for
town evacuation
on Alpine Road
Alpine Road C $$$ A 2-5 years Faster evacuation of the
town with possible lifesaving routes in the case of
wildfire or fire after an
earthquake. Consider
reducing the size of the
lanes to 10-12 feet to slow
traffic and allow for a middle
left turn lane (more
affordable than adding a
lane). Would need to plan
for alternate bike lane.

Figure 17 Potential Portola Valley Projects
Expected Impact
We expect to increase safety for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and animals around Portola Valley roads and trails. This can be measured by:
● Reduction in number of fatalities
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● Reduction in number of accidents reported by law enforcement ● Reduction in number of fire service responses to road accidents The Objectives section earlier in this plan gives numbers of crashes and other activities that we expect to achieve by executing on our priorities.

Maintenance and Monitoring
Maintenance of road safety infrastructure is the responsibility of Portola Valley’s Public Works department with input from the BPTS committee, the Planning Commission, the ASCC and other committees. The Town Council approves expenditures and projects.

The BPTS committee keeps minutes and reports on accidents from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s department.

Residents monitor town meetings, and their feedback is invaluable for keeping issues on track. 182
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Appendix A – Links To Sources
National Initiatives
● Complete Streets - https://smartgrowthamerica.org/10-elements-of-complete-streets/ and Six Examples of Complete Streets Implementation https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022- 02/2022_CS_Transformations_Doc_508.pdf
● Local Road Safety Plans – US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration - https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/local-road-safety-plans ● Vision Zero - https://visionzeronetwork.org/
State Organizations
● California Highway Patrol https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services ● Caltrans Standards https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/ccs-standard-plans-and-standard-specifications ● California Crash Reporting System https://data.ca.gov/dataset/ccrs Bay Area Organizations
● Association of Bay Area Governments - https://abag.ca.gov/ ● Bay Area Spatial Information System - https://basis.bayareametro.gov/ ● Metropolitan Transportation Commission - https://mtc.ca.gov/ - regional funding San Mateo County Organizations
● C/CAG - City/County Association of Governments - https://ccag.ca.gov/ Town Documents
● Portola Valley General Plan
● Portola Valley Housing Element Update 2023-2031
https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showdocument?id=18176 ● 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study staff
reporthttps://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/12947/637014860556600000 ● Presentation of the 2019 Pedestrian Safety Study to the town council on August 14, 2019 https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/12949/ ● Traffic Counts from Tuesday October 15, 2019 to Wednesday October 23, 2019 using paired axle sensors from Traffic Data Service (San Jose, CA)
https://www.portolavalley.net/departments/public-works/public-works-projects/2019-town-widetraffic-counts ● Portola Valley town and open space trail maps showing those for pedestrians, bicycles, horses and dogs https://www.portolavalley.net/about/open-space-in-portola-valley/portola-valley-trails New Housing and Open Space Developments
● Stanford Portola Terrace on Alpine Road - https://portolaterrace.stanford.edu/ ● Willow Commons residential community on Alpine Road for individuals with cognitive delays https://www.willowcommons.com/
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● The Hawthorns Area of Windy Hill Open Space February 16th 2023 memo on Alpine Road and Los Trancos Road traffic, based on 2019 traffic counts by the Town of Portola Valley’s public works department
https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/Existing%20Transportation%20Conditions%20Memo.pdf 184
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Appendix B – Complete Streets Analysis
Figure 18 analyzes the streets of Portola Valley to see whether they are Complete Streets supporting all kinds of transport and what type of roads exist in the town.
*Data from Blockshopper.com – we have not verified the number of houses and some of the data maybe inaccurate – but it gives a close approximation to how many houses would be served by road improvements on a particular road.

Google Maps and Portola Valley Trail Maps (draft not approved by town council) were used to identify where there are trails by the side of a road, as well as visiting in person most of the roads.

Red means a road is very near a school, where school children might be on the road.

Brownish means some of the road is near a school or it is fairly near a school.

Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Acorn Street 4 No No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Adair Lane 11 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Alamos Drive 13 Trail No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Alhambra Court 9 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Aliso Way 15 Yes No No need Ladera cul-de-sac
Alpine Road 105 Trails Shoulders,
some trail
Yes Need to decide which trails are good for
mountain bikes, safe routes to school and Class
1 separated bike trail
Upper Alpine Road N/A Some trail No No Too narrow for bike lane or shoulder, has passing places
Andeta Way (Ladera) 5 Some trails No No need Ladera – hilly leads to recreational club – connects with La Mesa Court
Antonio Court 6 Yes – most
of it
No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Applewood Lane 12 No No No need cul-de-sac
Arapahoe Court 3 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Arastradero Road N/A Hardly any No No Alpine Inn junction – congestion occurs here.

Mainly Santa Clara County – not in PV.

Ash Lane 4 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Bayberry Street 6 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Bear Gulch Drive 25 No No No Narrow, hilly, used by recreational cyclists – not worth improving unless you made it one-way
which would not be popular
Bear Paw 11 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Berenda Way (Ladera) 16 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac – back street trail to shops 185
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Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Blue Oaks Court 4 No No No need Blue Oaks cul-de-sac
Bolivar Lane 6 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Bonita Road (LTW) 8 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac Bow Way 4 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Brookside Drive 28 No No No Narrow crescent off Portola Road – limited visibility – improved with tree removal – could
be made one-way. Near Woodside Priory
School.

Buck Meadow Drive 9 Some No No need Trails and evacuation route with private section in Blue Oaks – quiet road
Buckeye 9 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Campo Road 5 No No No need Steep, narrow, short – has footpath shortcut at the end
Canyon Drive 121 No No No Too narrow for sidewalk – through street Carmel Way (LTW) 12 No No No need Los Trancos cul-desac Cervantes Road 62 Trail No No Hilly, some cyclists use it – do we need any Sharrows?
Cherokee Court 5 No No No need Westridge Cul-de-Sac, Path cuts through to Sausal
Cherokee Way 16 Yes At the end No need Path cuts through at the end to Sausal Cheyenne Point 9 Yes No No cul-de-sac
Ciervos Road 4 No No No Off Upper Alpine narrow private road Cul-de-Sac Cima Way 3 No No No need cul-de-sac
Coal Mine View 16 Some No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac with cut-through path at the end
Conil Way (Ladera) 13 No No No need Ladera small street Coquito Court (Ladera) 6 No No No need Ladera small street Coquito Way (Ladera) 10 Yes No No need Ladera small street Cordova Court 13 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Corona Way (Ladera) 9 No No No need Ladera small street Corte Madera Road 39 No No No Trails have been taken over by gardens in some places – a good candidate for restoring a trail on
one side of the road – residents in the past have
asked for a safer road – however we don’t know
of any accidents on this road.

Coyote Hill Court 6 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
186
51 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Creek Park Drive 5 Yes Yes Yes Alpine trail goes alongside – can bike through to Alpine Inn
Crescent Avenue 79 No No No It may have had a trail at the side of the road when built – parking and gardens have
encroached
Cresta Vista Lane 7 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Dedalera Drive (Ladera) 19 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac Deer Meadow Lane 5 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Deer Park Lane 2 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Deer Path Drive 2 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac
Degas Road 8 Trail No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Dos Loma Vista Street 4 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac Durazno Way (Ladera) 28 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac Echo Lane 20 No No Road is quite wide and cars can cut through there would be room for a sidewalk – but not a
high priority.

El Nido Road (LTW) 5 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac El Rey Road (LTW) 6 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac Erica Way (Ladera) 31 No No No need Hilly Ladera Quiet Road Escanyo Way (Ladera) 7 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac
Escobar Road 16 Some No No need Westridge Road – has bike/foot trail into Ladera - hilly
Favonia Road 4 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Fawn Lane 14 Trail No No need Westridge quiet road
Firethorn Way 2 Some Some No Not for cars – very narrow short cut Foxtail 4 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Foxwood Road (LTW) 8 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac Franciscan Ridge 16 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Fremontia 6 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Gabarda Way (Ladera) 32 No No No need Hilly Ladera Quiet Road Gambetta Lane School
housing
No No No Leads into Woodside Priory School campus
Georgia Lane 11 Could be made safer, but not very busy – need to see school traffic, if any, impact
187
52 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Golden Hills Drive 22 Trail No No Hilly connects to trails – but not a busy road – used occasionally by recreational cyclists – may
want to add Sharrows – or mark a bike route
through Westridge
Golden Oak Drive 68 No No No Hilly loop road, used occasionally by cyclists for hill training – may need better road markings at
junctions
Goya Road 9 No No No need Narrow Westridge Road
Granada Court 8 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Grove Court 5 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Grove Drive 26 Trail No No Used by cyclists, route to schools – narrow – trail needs improving
Groveland Street 4 No No No Short street – quite wide – could use a sidewalk maybe
Hawkview 13 Some No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Hayfields Road 11 Some No No need Very narrow and hilly cul-de-sac – not worth doing anything
Hillbrook Drive 26 Not close to
houses
No No need Hilly, trail is nearby on other side of houses – not on Hillbrook
Holden Court 4 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Horseshoe Bend 6 Some No No need Quiet PV Ranch road near Corte Madera School Indian Crossing 2 Yes No No Has crosswalks near Corte Madera School – danger is cyclists coming down fast on the trail
or Alpine Road. Does the crosswalk near the
school entrance need better signage? Crossing
guard helps near Alpine Road. The sidewalk
needs maintenance.

Iroquois Trail 6 Yes No No This goes past Ormondale School and is a Westridge cul-de-sac that leads to a gravel bike
trail. Signage is adequate for the school. May
want to lower the speed limit to 15 mph. The
crosswalk has no “Shark’s Teeth” markings,
flashing lights, flags, or other safety features.

There is no bike lane or shoulder for school
children or their parents. The trail is opposite
the school.

Joaquin Road 14 No No No Extremely steep county road – has no white line at the Upper Alpine Road junction – potentially
dangerous conflict could occur – cyclists like to
come down fast or challenge themselves on the
steep uphill that has no sharrows
188
53 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
John Marthens Lane
(Santa Clara County)
N/A No No No This is off Arastradero and a way into the Arastradero Preserve – it is in Palo Alto, Santa
Clara County – a path to it could be useful from
the Alpine Inn – but it’s not in our territory.

Kiowa Court 6 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
La Cuesta Drive
(Ladera)
31 Yes Sharrows Yes Main route into Ladera – has sharrows – county road. Goes past Woodland School. Lower speed
limit? Not our jurisdiction.

La Mesa Drive (ladera) 392 Yes Sharrows Yes Main route into Ladera – has sharrows – county road.

La Sandra Way 8 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Lake Road (LTW) 10 No No No County property – goes to narrow cul-de-sac next to the reservoir – very poor infrastructure
for pedestrians going to the Lake or Coal Mine
Ridge area.

Larguita Lane 2 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Las Piedras (LTW) 6 No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac Lerida Court (Ladera) 7 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac Leroy Avenue 5 No No No need Highlands narrow road
Linaria Way (Ladera) 22 Most No No need Ladera quiet road Longspur 5 Yes No No need Ranch cul-de-sac
Los Charros Lane 10 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Los Trancos Circle
(LTW)
16 No No No need Slow one-way county road Los Trancos
Upper Los Trancos
Road (LTW)
N/A No No No need Los Trancos cul-de-sac
Los Trancos Road (LTW) 54 Some trail
alongside
lower down
No No Needs better marking and possible tree clearing
to make it easier to see cyclists, particularly
between Alpine Road and PV Ranch fire gate
where cyclists go. Junction with Alpine has
crosswalk with no flags, lights, what do we want
to do there? Trail was realigned – also back
entrance to Alpine Hills can be tricky area.

Los Trancos Woods
Road (LTW)
N/A No No No need Twisty, hilly Los Trancos Road
Louise Lane 1 No No No need Highlands cul-de-sac
Lucero Way (Ladera) 17 Yes No No need Ladera cul-de-sac Mapache Court 1 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac
189
54 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Mapache Drive 26 Yes No No Recreational cycle hill, alternative to getting up Westridge. No sharrows. Has trail for
pedestrians and horses.

Meadowcreek Court 4 No No No need Off lower Los Trancos cul-de-sac Meadowood Drive 20 Yes No No Do we need to make this part of a Westridge bike route
Mimosa Way (Ladera) 20 Yes No No Connection to Westridge from Ladera for hikers and bikers – county may need to make it a bike
route or safe route to Ladera
Minoca Road 16 No No No Good uphill training for bikes in Westridge – not marked – possible option for Sharrows
Mira Way (Ladera) 4 No No No Ladera quiet street
Montara Court 3 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Morro Vista Lane
(Ladera?)
3 No No No Very narrow connection to Westridge from
Ladera for hikers and bikers – county may need
to make it a bike route or safe route to Ladera
Naranja Way 6 Trail No No need Westridge cul-de-sacvv. Trail connects to Solana.

Nathhorst Avenue 10 No No No need Quiet cut through, gravel route for bikes, blocked for cars – building likely – could impact
junction with Alpine – also may need crossing to
trail a bit lower down Alpine
Navajo Place 5 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Oak Forest Court 5 Yes No No need Quiet cul-de-sac next to PV Ranch off Los Trancos
Ohlone Street 10 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Old Spanish Trail (LTW) 35 No No No Quiet road in Los Trancos Woods Palmer Lane ~15 Some No No need Has trail at the end – quiet Westridge cul-de-sac Paloma Road 7 Some No No need Quiet Westridge cul-de-sac and connecting road Paso Del Arroyo 5 Yes No No need cul-de-sac off Alpine Road – has entrance to Portola Garage business
Peak Lane 2 No No No need Short connecting Road, Westridge Pecora Way (Ladera) 17 No No No need Narrow Ladera connecting Road Pineridge Way 7 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Pinon Drive 10 ? ? ? Westridge cul-de-sac
Pomponio 4 ? ? ? Ranch cul-de-sac with Sweet Springs trail connection
190
55 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Portola Road 88 Trails Shoulder Yes May need more signage around crosswalks. Not all crossings are lighted or have flags.

Portola Green Circle 11 No No No need Quiet road off Portola Road Possum Lane 11 Trail No No need Road is blocked at the end to stop cars going through so friendly for bikes and pedestrians
Prado Court 5 Yes No No need Short cul-de-sac
Quail 9 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Ramona Road (LTW) 32 No No No Steep road up to Los Trancos Woods – San Mateo County
Ramoso Road 11 No No No need Quiet Westridge connecting road used by bikes occasionally
Redberry Ridge 14 No No No Blue Oaks cul-de-sac
Russell Avenue 22 No No No need Narrow quiet Highlands road Saddleback Drive 7 No No No need Trail has degraded – Sweet Springs trail nearby – PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Sandstone Street 22 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Santa Maria Avenue 77 No No No need Steep Highlands connecting road Sausal Drive 15 Some No No May need better white line road marking at Golden Oak
Shawnee Pass 21 Yes No No Trail crosses the road, near school – may need Sharrow to go uphill from Ormondale
Elementary School. Residents request road
speed bumps.

Shoshone Place 4 Some No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Sierra Lane 2 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Siesta Court (Ladera) 5 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac Sioux Way 10 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Skyline Boulevard 204 Some No No This is a dangerous road for cyclists and pedestrians. The Bay Ridge Trail goes along
some parts – but it crosses the road and is not
continuous past Fogarty Winery. The BPTS
committee has listened to Ted Selker who wants
to fund a shoulder on Skyline– he has spoken
about this for over 20 years to various
committees. Motorcycles on the weekend add
to the dangers on this road.

Solana Road 6 Yes No No need Trail connects to Naranja
191
56 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
Stonegate Road 16 No No No need Cul-de-sac. Accident has happened here – Windy Hill hikers sometimes park on Portola
Road near Stonegate.

Sunhill 6 Some No No need Bushes encroach on the sidewalk Tagus Court 5 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Tan Oak Drive 8 No No No Short connecting road near Corte Madera School
Thistle 7 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Tierra Arboles (LTW) N/A No No No need Private Gated Road off Los Trancos Tintern Lane 4 No No No need Quiet cul-de-sac off Grove Toro Court 1 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Trail Lane (woodside) 2 No No No need Cul-de-sac off Hidden Valley – in Woodside Trinity Lane 3 No No No need Highlands cul-de-sac
Tynan Way 16 No No No need Highlands crescent
Valencia Court 13 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
Valley Oak Street 25 Yes No No Sidewalk is cracking with roots making ridges – needs work – cyclists cut through the Ranch on
recreational rides and going to school
Veronica Court 9 No No No need Narrow cul-de-sac near Priory off Nathhorst Veronica Place 2 No No No need Narrow cul-de-sac near Priory off Nathhorst Vista Verde Way (LTW) 39 No No No need Narrow hilly quiet road Los Trancos Woods Wayside Road 26 No No No need Steep narrow Highlands (?) road Westridge Drive 87 Trail No No Could use sharrows for cyclists and white lines when intersecting junctions are repaved
Willowbrook Drive 39 Trail No No Red lines were painted to make it safer for cars to pass through. No trail near Windy Hill parking
on the right going uphill where hikers park.

Wintercreek 4 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Woodfern 6 Yes No No need PV Ranch cul-de-sac
Wyndham Drive 29 No No No need Circle off Portola Road, many churchgoers park there on Sunday. No sidewalk connects to
crosswalk across Portola Road to Valley
Presbyterian Church.

Zapata Way 5 No No No need Westridge cul-de-sac
East Floresta Way
(Ladera)
12 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac – trail behind houses to shops and restaurants in Ladera
192
57 | Page
Streets Properties* For
Pedestrians
For
Cyclists
Complete Notes
North Balsamina Way
(Ladera)
19 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac – trail at end to shopping center
North Castanya Way
(Ladear)
18 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac – trail at end to shopping center
South Balsamina Way
(ladera)
18 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac
South Castanya Way
(Ladera)
17 No No No need Ladera cul-de-sac
West Floresta Way
(Ladera)
17 ? ? ? Ladera cul-de-sac – near a school – no white line at the end or Stop sign at junction with La
Cuesta
Figure 18 Complete Streets Analysis
193
58 | Page
Appendix C - Traffic Counts
Alpine Road – October 2019
In 2019, the town used pneumatic tubes across Alpine and Portola Roads to measure the number of vehicles.

Parisi Transportation Consultants conducted a transportation study for the Hawthorns Area of the Midpeninsula Open Space District that is between Los Trancos and Alpine Roads and summarized the data in a 2023 memo.

In 2019, the average daily traffic volumes as one goes down Alpine Road towards the town exit, from the junction with Willowbrook, are shown below in Figure 19. In the area near Windy Hill/Coal Mine Ridge trail head the weekend traffic is more than the weekday traffic, but in other areas the weekday traffic is busier.

Location Road Use Road Type Weekday Average Weekend Average Alpine Road east of
Willowbrook
A few residents
living in the Upper
Alpine area and
hikers & bikers
Minor arterial 300 400
Alpine Road west of
Portola Road
Includes Portola
Valley Ranch and
middle school traffic
Minor arterial 3,300 2,500
Alpine Road east of
Nathhorst
Adds traffic from
shops and
residences along
Portola Road as well
as more residences
connected to Alpine
Major
Collector
7,800 5,600
Alpine Road east of
Westridge
Adds Westridge
traffic and traffic
coming in from
Arastradero Road
Major
Collector
12,100 9,300
Figure 19 Portola Valley 2019 Average Daily Traffic Volumes Daily Auto and Bicycle Traffic on Alpine and Portola Roads Speed counts were taken at 3 Portola Valley locations before and during the COVID Period. The COVID period started around before March 2020. The readings from July to December 2020 were during the COVID period.

The traffic counts are measured by a trailer that has a lighted sign to show drivers their speed. It is turned off some nights to conserve power and its batteries sometimes failed, so the numbers are conservative. Figure 20 shows a lower bound on the number of vehicles in just one direction.

Even though the speed trailer could not count all the vehicles because of power problems to the trailer, the numbers suggest at least 300 bikes in a single direction on Portola and Alpine Roads each day during COVID. 194
59 | Page
Location Date Autos/Day Bikes/Day Number
of Days
Counted
Portola Road Northbound at Town
Center
12/15/2018 3634 363 7.1
Portola Road Northbound at Town
Center
07/19/2020 2665 475 9.6
4370 Alpine Road Westbound –
Linwood Realty (now Willow
Commons) just below junction with
Portola Road
01/13/2020 3465 336 na
4370 Alpine Road Westbound -
Linwood Realty (now Willow
Commons) just below junction with
Portola Road
12/24/2020 2568 307 7.29
Portola Rd Southbound at Portola
Green entrance
01/26/2019 1708 160 10
Portola Rd Southbound at Portola
Green Entrance
12/07/2020 1467 318 9.5
Figure 20 Lower Bound on Speed Trailer Counts Before and After COVID 195
60 | Page
Appendix D– Input from Woodland School in Ladera
Here’s how a Ladera student views local traffic. He finds that traffic congestion has serious effects on mood and greenhouse gas emissions.

Solutions for Traffic Flow to Minimize Road Rage
My name is Patrick and for my Capstone project, I chose to research traffic, but mainly its psychological effects and solutions. I chose this project because there was a specific set of intersections near my house that I felt I could improve. While researching, I found that traffic has a much greater impact on the human mind than you think. Psychologically, being stuck in traffic congestion can cause you to have angry outbursts of emotion and sub-par work performance because of stress caused by the traffic.

Physically, it can cause you to feel fatigued because of constantly accelerating and braking. As for the environmental impact, the constant acceleration emits 5% more greenhouse gas emissions than ordinary driving.

For my action piece, I decided to fix these problems for two specific intersections; the ones that inspired this project. To fix these intersections, I created a very complicated simulation with over 3000 lines of code to display both intersections. With this simulation, I now had the power to change the signal timings to find out what the best solution would be. Then, I got in touch with the San Mateo County Public Works to propose my new ideas with my simulation. While I am not sure of the result of my meeting, I am optimistic about the chances of the intersection being changed.

One thing I learned from creating my simulation was how difficult it was to collect good traffic data from the road. For next time, I would definitely start creating my simulation earlier, as the code was very challenging to create. In fact, this code took me over 5 months to create, because I started in January and finally finished in early May. For soon-to-be rising eighth graders at Woodland, I would recommend never procrastinating on the work you have to do, as it will only come back to bite you later (my simulation is proof of this). Another piece of advice I would like to give is to start thinking about your Capstone project right now, so that you can really find a project you are passionate about.
196
61 | Page
Appendix E – Cycling and Hiking Areas
Strava Heat Map of Popular Routes
The heavy red lines on the routes in Figure 21, show the busiest streets on Strava by cyclists, hikers and others who make their routes public. Note that although Westridge is quite hilly it is used by cyclists.

Figure 21 Red roads are the heaviest used routes for cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities 197
62 | Page
Appendix F – Details for Specific Crash Locations
Details for Three Crash-prone Intersections
Alpine Road and Arastradero
There have been 7 crashes near this junction from 2013 to 2024. All involved a cyclist, who was injured, 4 suspected severely, and none was reported as involving drugs or alcohol. In 4 crashes the cyclist was at fault.

Two cyclists were in their 30s around noon ride time. Figure 22 shows the type of crashes. 198
63 | Page
Description What
Happened
Consequences When Notes
Cyclist – 33-yearold male – had
turned into
Arastradero Road
from Alpine
A 66-year old man
in a Ford is also
going south on
Arastradero Road
30ft from Alpine
Road
Car driver was
cited for being in
the cyclist’s right of
way. Cyclist had
suspected minor
injuries.
1:00 pm Friday
08/04/17 - cloudy
This is about the
time the Noon Ride
peloton with fast
cyclists comes
down Alpine.

Cyclist – 81-yearold male going
west up Alpine
Road
Bicycle runs into a
parked car.

Cyclist is at fault
for unsafe speed
and has suspected
minor injury.
7:09 Wednesday
morning, 12/11/19
– cloudy, wet road
in dawn light.

Why was the car
parked on Alpine
at that time in the
morning?
Cyclist – 67-yearold femaleMotor vehicle
coming down
Alpine Road, cyclist
comes out of
Arastradero to turn
left up Alpine.

Cyclist is at fault
for being in the
motorist’s right of
way. Motor vehicle
hits the cyclist
broadside
suspected minor
injury
1:37 pm Friday
9/10/21 – clear
weather
Need to encourage
cyclists to stop at
the end of
Arastradero Road
to ensure they
don’t stick out into
the road.

Cyclist – 64-yearold male was
heading down
Alpine.

Single cyclist
ejected from bike.

Cyclist is at fault
and cited for
unsafe speed with
suspected serious
injury
12:29 pm Sunday
6/19/22 – clear
weather
No other vehicle
involved. Alpine
Inn is very busy at
this time.

Cyclist – 54-yearold male heading
down Alpine Road
54-year-old lady in
a Mercedes is
stopped heading
west on Alpine
Road.

Driver cited for
being in the
cyclist’s right of
way. Cyclist was
ejected from the
bike. Cyclist has
suspected serious
injury.
4:30 pm Thursday
1/26/23 – clear
weather
Driver probably
stopped on hitting
the cyclist.

Cyclist – 66-yearold male coming
down Alpine Road
turning into
Arastradero
A Mack
commercial bus
was stopped and
heading towards
Alpine Road on
Arastradero.

Cyclist is at fault
and cited for
unsafe speed,
suspected serious
injury
1:10 pm Friday
5/3/2024 – clear
weather
Cyclist - 30-yearold male - comes
down Alpine Road
Car makes a left
turn coming out of
Arastradero and
hits the cyclist.

Driver cited for
being in the bike’s
right of way. Cyclist
has suspected
serious injury.
1:11 pm Sunday
8/11/24 – clear
weather
Alpine Inn is very
busy at this time.

Figure 22 Crashes at Alpine Road and Arastradero Road
199
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Figure 23 shows a detailed map of where the above 7 crashes at Alpine and Arastradero occurred. Only one was in Alpine Road, the others were all at the junction, with 4 suspected serious injuries and 2 suspected minor injuries.

Figure 23 Detailed location of crashes at Alpine Road and Arastradero Road Actions that could help reduce crashes at Alpine and Arastradero. ● Reach out to cyclists warning them to be careful at the junction as they come down Alpine Road. ● Remind the Noon Riders to be careful at the junction. Post on their Facebook page. ● Consider Bicycle Route signage at the junction.
● Consider a Bicycle Slow sign for cyclists coming down Alpine. ● Ensure that no vehicles are stuck in the way of cyclists turning from Alpine into Arastradero Road because there is a queue going into the Alpine Inn parking lot. ● Remind older cyclists to cycle defensively.
● Ensure no bicycles or cars stick out of Arastradero as they turn into Alpine Road so they don’t block the shoulder. Check the STOP sign and line here.
● Keep vegetation cut back at the junction so lines of sight in all directions are clear. 200
65 | Page
Portola Road and Westridge
There have been 6 crashes near this junction from 2013 to 2024. The weather was clear for all the crashes. All the crashes involved a bicycle, in each case the cyclist was injured, one suspected seriously, and none involved drugs or alcohol. Figure 24 shows the type of crashes.

Description What
Happened
Consequences When Notes
129 feet north on
Portola Road – just past
the junction - coming
down Portola Road is an
11-year old boy on the
wrong side of the road.

An auto was stopped
facing east.

The bike ran
away with the
young cyclist
who swiped a
Ford minivan.

The cyclist was at fault
on the wrong side of
the road. The 44-year
old minivan driver had
no injury. The boy had
possible injury or
complaint of pain..
3:15 pm
Friday
3/27/15
This is just after school
comes out and it’s the
end of the week.

The road condition was
cited as a factor. Possibly
on the roadside where
there is room to park.

Automobile was
traveling south on
Portola Road towards
Alpine and turned left
into Westridge, a 68-
year-old male cyclist was
traveling north on
Portola Road.

The driver
turned towards
Westridge
hitting the
cyclist who was
going downhill.

The cyclist had possible
injury or complaint of
pain. The driver was
cited for improper
turning.
11:48 am
Monday
4/6/15
Male cyclist aged 55 was
going straight east and a
57-year old male driver
was making a U-turn
953ft west of Westridge
– near road to tennis
courts and Springdown.

The driver
made a U-turn
and hit the
cyclist.

Cyclist was ejected with
suspected minor injury;
the driver was at fault.
9:13 am
Saturday
8/1/20
Both were traveling east
when west of the
junction – so maybe the
cyclist was turning into
Westridge.

Driver was traveling
south on Portola Road,
turning left into
Westridge. A 15-yearold cyclist was heading
straight north on Portola
Road.

The
automobile hit
the cyclist
broadside.

The auto was in the
cyclist’s right of way
and the driver cited.

The cyclist had possible
injury or complaint of
pain.
11:46 am
Saturday
10/3/20
Single 65-year old male
cyclist is 219 feet east of
the junction. This was
reported as Westridge
but is nearer Stonegate.

Non-collision Cyclist had suspected
serious injury, nobody
was at fault.
3:20 pm
Friday
4/22/22
Road condition was cited
– there is a downhill
when you go into
Westridge and a bend.

A 22-year-old male
cyclist was coming
straight north on Portola
Road and an auto made
a left turn into
Westridge.

The auto hit
the cyclist
broadside.

The cyclist had a
suspected minor injury.

The driver was cited for
being in the cyclist’s
right of way.
11:40 am
Wednesday
9/25/24
Figure 24 Crashes at Portola Road and Westridge Drive
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These crashes are shown, circled in red in Figure 25below. The color coding of the crashes is the same as in Figure 23.

Also shown is a crash near 725 Portola Road, next to the crash marked with a red circle in the top left corner of the map. This was when someone hit an animal on 5/19/2017 at 6:55 p.m.

A crash reported at the junction of Stonegate and Portola Road, not on the list above, is shown on the map below. Shown on the map, east of the intersection, was the 4/22/2022 crash of a solo cyclist who had a suspected serious injury and the probable cause was the condition of the road. At the actual junction of Westridge and Portola Road, 3 crashes were reported as listed above.

Figure 25 Crashes reported as being at Portola Road and Westridge are circled in red The young 11-year-old appears to have lost control of his bicycle. Bike rodeos at the schools in town would be useful to ensure children know how to control bicycles downhill. The crash near Stonegate is a reminder that shoulders of the road need to be kept in good condition, particularly as the terrain in Portola Valley shifts and can cause road surfaces to crack. Narrow tires can get stuck in cracks, causing cyclists to crash. 202
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Alpine Road and Los Trancos
There have been 5 crashes near this junction from 2013 to 2024. All involved a cyclist. Below, Figure 26 shows the type of crashes.

Description What Happened Consequences When Notes
33-year-old female
cyclist coming
downhill, east, on
Alpine Road. A
male, 88-year-old,
Toyota driver came
out of Los Trancos
to turn left on
Alpine Road.

Driver’s vision was
obscured. Cyclist
was hit broadside
by the car.

Drive is at fault for
being in the cyclist’s
right of way. Cyclist
has suspected
minor injury.
1:50 pm
Wednesday
12/25/13 Christmas
Day in clear
weather.

The cyclist was
noted to be using a
cellphone, hands
free.
43-year-old female
cyclist was coming
downhill on Alpine
Road. A 56-year-old
woman in a
Volkswagen was
coming west on
Alpine turning left
into Los Trancos.

The car caused the
cyclist to fall off – it
is not clear whether
the cyclist was
ejected. There was
another person
coming out of Los
Trancos (vehicle not
specified).

The cyclist
complained of pain
the driver was at
fault in the cyclist’s
right of way
3:25pm Saturday
1/13/13 in clear
weather
There was “Other”
weather – possibly
at that time sun
dazzling the driver –
sunset time was
5:13 pm.
41-year-old female
cyclist was coming
downhill, east on
Alpine and an 80-
year-old man was
going west on
Alpine driving a
Toyota turning left
into Los Trancos.

The man turned
into Los Trancos
and was in the
cyclist’s right of
way.

The car driver was
at fault in the
cyclist’s right of
way. The cyclist was
ejected from her
bike and
complained of pain.
1:46 pm Sunday
11/10/14 in clear
weather
38-year-old male
cyclist was coming
downhill, east, on
Alpine Road, a car
was coming west on
Alpine Road and
turning left into Los
Trancos
The car caused the
cyclist to be ejected
from his bicycle.

The car driver was
at fault. The cyclist
had suspected
minor injury.
2:30 pm Sunday
1/1/18 New Year’s
Day in clear
weather
The car driver was
of unknown age
and unknown
sobriety. Seat belt
use was also
unknown.
61-year-old male
cyclist was facing
north at the
junction – possibly
coming out of Los
Trancos and a 78-
year-old female in a
Volvo was coming
uphill, going west
on Alpine and
turning left into Los
Trancos
The car caused the
cyclist to be ejected
from his bicycle.

The cyclist had
suspected severe
injury and the car
driver was at fault
for being in the
cyclist’s right of
way.
2:30 pm Saturday
12/19/21 in clear
weather
Figure 26 Crashes at Alpine Road and Los Trancos
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Figure 27 shows that the five above crashes all took place at the junction of Alpine Road and Los Trancos Road.

Four of the five crashes involved a driver coming up Alpine Road and turning left into Los Trancos Road.

Figure 27 Crashes at Alpine Road and Los Trancos Road
Bushes and low-hanging tree branches need to be cleared around junctions so that drivers can easily see cyclists. Drivers may also be dazzled by the sun. All these crashes have drivers coming up Alpine and turning left into Los Trancos. Three of the drivers were 78 years old or older. 204
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Crashes Around Schools
Crashes Within Half a Mile of Corte Madera Middle School In Figure 28, looking at crashes around Corte Madera Middle School, we find none involves a school child.

Place What Happened Consequences When
Entrance to Priory at Gambetta
Lane
59-year old lady on bike
heading north, as was a
truck. Truck turned right
and was in the wrong.

Lady had suspected
minor injury
Thursday just before
noon - 2019
Portola Road single biker
heading west just east of Portola
Green Circle
62-year old man was
going too fast on his
bike
Man had serious injury Thursday - just after
noon - January 2022
4 cyclists heading south at
Portola Green Circle on Portola
Road
They were going too fast 2 of the 4 cyclists were
injured - men aged 36
and 47 with suspected
minor injuries
Cloudy weather on a
January Saturday at
10:50 am in 2022
Portola Road single biker
heading west on Portola Road at
the turn into the Coldwell
Banker/hardware/hairdresser
stores
Driver in a car coming
on Portola Road in the
opposite direction turns
towards the hardware
store across the cyclist
and is at fault making an
improper turn
Biker - a 46-year-old
male - had suspected
minor injuries
Cloudy weather
Tuesday in May at
11:27 am
Alpine Road, man on a bike
comes down fast, car was on
Indian Crossing going "East" -
more likely SE - and turning left
and hits biker broadside.

Biker was at fault for
going too fast
54-year-old male cyclist
had suspected minor
injury
Thursday afternoon
Nov 2019 4:31 pm -
clear weather
Biker turning right and going
south by the Frog Pond at the
junction of Indian Crossing and
Longspur Street
Biker was going too fast 62-year-old male had
serious injuries
Most likely turning
into Longspur from
Indian Crossing
Male coming down Willowbrook
on a bicycle makes an improper
turn
Bicycle is at fault for
improper turn
53-year-old male had
suspected minor
injuries
Given the hill on
Willowbrook and the
location, then speed
could also have been
a factor - Tuesday
just after 1 pm
Man coming down Alpine past
Willowbrook and just past the
Windy Hill parking lot
Bicycle is at fault for
going too fast
50-year-old male had
serious injuries
May 2021 early
afternoon
Figure 28 Crashes within half a mile of Corte Madera School Crashes Within Half a Mile of Ormondale Elementary School Some of the crashes on Portola Road in Figure 28 were also within half a mile of Ormondale School so they are not analyzed separately here. None of these crashes involved a school child either. 205
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Appendix G - Hazard Maps
Source: MTC/ABAG Hazard Map - https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/ The hazards of Earthquake, Fire and Soil Movement impact the design of roads and trails in Portola Valley.

Earthquake Shaking on the San Andreas Fault
Areas of Violent and Severe Shaking
Figure 29 shows Violent Shaking through the center of Portola Valley and Severe Shaking in surrounding areas.

Figure 29 Areas of Violent and Severe Shaking
Road Hazards from Earthquakes
The San Andreas and other geological faults go through the middle of Portola Valley. The town’s Geologic Safety Committee has made maps where roads are likely to be impacted by faults. For major earth movement, there could also be fires. For minor earthquakes, roads may show cracks that need to be repaired. The faults may also cause road slippage or blockages from landslides and trees.

Besides the San Andreas Fault, the Berocal and Black Mountain Faults cross Alpine Road between Willowbrook and Portola Road on Alpine. Minor earthquakes happen regularly and can cause road cracking at these locations.

Figure 30 shows a fault crossing Alpine Road near Westridge, as well as the San Andreas Fault crossing Portola Road. Figure 31 looks at southern Portola Valley and shows how the San Andreas Fault crosses Alpine Road, as well as Portola Road. It also shows some other faults including the Black Mountain Fault that crosses Alpine Road.
206
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Figure 30 Earthquake Hazard Map for Northern Portola Valley Figure 31 Earthquake Hazards in Southern Portola Valley 207
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A key to the Earthquake Hazard maps is in Figure 32.

Figure 32 Key to Earthquake Hazard Maps
208
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Fire
The historic fire map in Figure 33 below shows that a fire came to the Highlands area of Portola Valley between 1950 and 1965. The danger of fire is a reason for adding a lane to Alpine Road for rapid evacuation.

Figure 33 Historic Fire Areas in Portola Valley
Landslides
One of the reasons that Portola Valley prefers bike shoulders to bike lanes is that the soil moves and so lanes of a set width are hard to maintain. To mitigate the effect of sliding soils when it rains, Portola Valley has made its road shoulders at least 5 foot wide. In the event that rocks and soil impinge upon the shoulder for a foot or less, there is still room for cyclists. The Caltrans basic minimum for bike lanes is 4 feet. If adjacent to parking, they need to be 5ft and if posted speeds are greater than 40 mph, which they are not in Portola Valley, then the bike lane should be at least 6 ft wide. The California Highway Design Manual recommends that downhill lanes are wider to accommodate higher bicycle speeds.

Paved sidewalks tend to crack and be expensive to maintain, as seen in Portola Valley Ranch, when the soil can move easily. Hence, the emphasis on trails, not paved paths in some areas of Portola Valley. 209
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In Figure 34 one can see that much of Portola Valley is in the “Few Landslides” area, but some areas are marked “Most Landslides”. In an area of landslides, there is a risk of soil moving into the roads, narrowing the shoulders.

Clearing the road shoulders of soil, particularly after winter rains, is critical for maintaining safe passage for cyclists.

Figure 34 Landslide Areas of Portola Valley
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Appendix H – Resident Comments
Figure 35 gives comments from residents who have posted messages online, all except one on the town’s PVForum group.

Comment Source Date

IMPACT OF ANIMALS ON THE ROAD
I think the wildlife signs are cute and a nice idea but not effective. I wish our town would instead consider speed bumps or traffic circles in strategic locations. That is a proven way to slow traffic.

PVForum 01/27/25
As the town grows over the next decade the traffic is going to become more of a threat both to animals and humans.

PVForum 01/27/25
Signage needed on Portola Valley main roads. PVForum 01/27/25 Please pay attention when you are riding or driving and if you see a snake, slow down and let them pass.

Email to town
residents
06/04/25
Last year I stopped traffic on Alpine when I stopped to lift a small fawn which had been hit and left there for others to run over. People looked at me like, what are you doing?
PVForum 03/11/25

IMPACT OF PEDESTRIANS CROSSING ROADS
This is an informational message for drivers in Portola Valley. Based on my several (near death) experiences over the past year, along both Alpine and Portola Road, it appears that PV drivers may not understand the California Highway code for Drivers approaching crosswalks, particularly those with flashing lights. As it has often been said, the life you save by stopping at a crosswalk could well be your own. Please be thoughtful and exercise your driving privileges with care. Thank you.

PVForum 10/06/24

COMMENTS ON SPECIFIC ROAD JUNCTIONS
Try Westridge at Alpine — cars ALWAYS EXTEND over and beyond the crosswalk.

PVForum 10/07/24
Re: entering Alpine Road from Los Trancos Road
Sheriffs were stopping cars VERY early one morning coming down Los Trancos facing PV Garage. They were reminding all drivers that you MUST stop before the crosswalk at a stop sign EVEN IF THERE IS NO PEDESTRIAN.

PVForum 10/07/24
211
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Comment Source Date
I admire the work of our BTPS committee, and think they have plenty of good ideas, but given a chance to think "bigger picture" and allocate a larger budget here is my thoughts on how to frame the overall issue.

My ideas for what _might work_ if we decide it matters:
● Raised Crosswalks, which are common in many places, and Menlo Park has started to add as they redo their streets. ● Bicycle "head starts" at stop signs. Menlo Park has also started adopting modified stop lines, so that the bicyclists can stop about 6 feet ahead of the cars. In the case of PV, this could be very helpful at Alpine & Portola.
● We have no (official) bicycle lanes in Portola Valley, and our school children are allowed (from what I can tell) on a lot less miles of trails than horses. A commitment to create a safe route to and from school for every child in town would be great for them.
● "Traffic Calming" devices: If we don't want cars to speed, we need to make it harder. Palo Alto has done that along Junipero Serra, for example. In fairness, a number of my friends there gripe that they need to pay more attention when they drive along that stretch, but that is kind of the point.
● An (expensive) rethink of La Honda and similar roads. Just like mountain roads often offer safe pullouts for trucks, I think that would be helpful for bicyclists. Yes, there is a (hard-to-enforce) law about impeding traffic, but if you're grinding uphill without a "friendly" pullout, stopping is tricky.

PVForum 05/14/23
Figure 35 Comments from Residents
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Appendix I - Resident Survey Results
An informal survey was sent to PVForum users. A large proportion of town residents use PVForum for discussion. Although the sample is biased to those that participate in PVForum, the 67 responses give valid insights into what town residents want.

Q1 Which vision statement do you think best reflects Portola Valley plans for Local Road Safety, completing the sentence: Portola Valley aims to....

Answered: 63 Skipped: 4

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above 9.52% 6
improve roads and trails to handle transportation trends, population growth and natural disasters, as well as fostering traffic safety at popular local events

41.27% 26
maintain, design and develop circulation facilities that conserve the natural beauty of the area, minimize adverse effects on adjacent lands and encourage safe mobility for all

38.1% 24
achieve a 25% reduction in the number of people injured in crashes when data from 2025 to 2034 is compared with data from 2013 to 2024

4.76% 3
eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035 6.35% 4 Figure 36 Resident Survey - 1. Vision Statement Ranking It is clear that the town is interested in fostering traffic safety, keeping up with growth trends and preserving natural beauty. The Vision Zero aim of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries, possibly because there have not been very many in Portola Valley, is not a high priority.

Q2 What type of a cyclist are you if any? Check all that apply. 66 replied.

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above 9.09% 6
have never cycled I

15.15% 10
I used to cycle, but don't any more 45.45% 30
try to cycle at least once a week I

19.70% 13
I commute most days by bicycle 3.03% 2
I regularly do rides of over 15 miles 18.18% 12
I regularly ride with a bicycle club or group through Portola Valley 6.06% 4 I ride on the Portola Valley trails 12.12% 8
Figure 37 Resident Survey - 2. Type of Cyclist
Many of the residents who bike are not the same people who bike with a group or club ride. Given an older population, many have given up cycling.
213
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Q3 If you are not a cyclist, why not? Check all that apply.

Answered: 49 Skipped: 18

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above 18.37% 9
I would cycle if there was a separated bike path 20.41% 10 Portola Valley is too hilly 28.57% 14
I don't want to risk getting hit by a car or truck 38.78% 19 I am not physically able to cycle 10.20% 5
It takes too long 4.08% 2
I need to carry people or things in my car that I cannot carry on a bike 8.16% 4 My typical journeys go too far from Portola Valley for me to cycle 18.37% 9 TOTAL 49
Figure 38 Resident Survey - 3. Why People Don't Cycle
There is some interest in separate bike paths as well as fear of getting hit by a car or truck.

Q4 If you are a cyclist what type of bikes do you ride? Answered: 42 Skipped: 25

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above 19.05% 8
Road bike 54.76% 23
Mountain bike 35.71% 15
Gravel or straight handlebar bike that is not a mountain bike 14.29% 6 eBike class 1 - pedal assist up to 20 mph 19.05% 8
eBike class 2 - pedal assist and a throttle for power with no pedaling up to 20 mph 2.38% 1 eBike class 3 - pedal assist up to 28 mph 4.76% 2
Figure 39 Resident Survey - 4. Types of Bikes Ridden
eBikes are growing in popularity. Not least some use them on town trails that prohibit cycling. 214
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Q5 School bus use - check all that apply for anyone in your household that uses a school bus.

Answered: 8 Skipped: 59

ANSWER CHOICES
A household member uses a school bus 25.00% 2
A member of our family would use a school bus if it came near our house 75% 6 Figure 40 Resident Survey - 5. School Bus Users
Q6 Driver concerns - what are your concerns as a driver in Portola Valley?
Check all that apply.

Answered: 66 Skipped: 1

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above 7.58% 5
I don't know whether to cross a double yellow line or leave a 3ft gap between me and a cyclist on Alpine and/or Portola Roads

19.70% 13
I am worried that I won't be able to exit Portola Valley in a timely fashion if there's a fire or other hazard 59.09% 39 I'm afraid I'll hit a deer or other animal or bird 25.76% 17 Big vehicles park or block my view in awkward places so I cannot see (explain in the comments if you wish)

12.12% 8
As I back cautiously out of my parking space because a big vehicle parked next to me blocks my view, another vehicle speeds past nearly hitting me

4.55% 3
Cars drive too closely to me so if I brake someone might rear-end me 18.18% 12 Too many people have dark-colored cars which I don't see well 3.03% 2 I need better passing places on my road (say which road in the comments) 3.03% 2 I need a STOP sign and white lines to show where to stop at the end of my road (say where in the comments)

1.52% 1
I worry about self-driving cars coming on town roads 12.12% 8 I'm scared I'll hit a cyclist 33.33% 22
People drive too fast 43.94% 29
I'm scared I'll hit a jogger who is on the shoulder 7.58% 5 Figure 41 Resident Survey - 6. Ranking of Drivers’ Concerns Residents are worried about fire and hitting animals or cyclists. Speed is a great concern. 215
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Q7 If the town wants to invest in improving road safety what should be done? Check all that apply
Answered: 60 Skipped: 7

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Encourage San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputies to ticket people for speeding 58.33% 35 Widen, grade and extend the paved bike path that goes from Alpine Hills almost to Ladera Oaks so it can be used by cars in an emergency, instead of building a 3rd lane on this part of Alpine Road

45.00% 27
A trail alongside Corte Madera should be maintained to provide a safe walking path to school 43.33% 26 Make a paved trail, separated from Portola Road, between the town center and Alpine Road, for cyclists, wheelchairs and others

38.33% 23
Lower the speed limit to 15 mph around schools (several towns have done this) 31.67% 19 Lower the speed limit, given Stanford's build of Portola Terrace, to 35 mph from 40 mph on Alpine between Westridge and Arastradero.

31.67% 19
Add more lighted beacons on crosswalks (specify a particular crosswalk in the comments if concerned) 28.33% 17 Ban parking on both sides of Portola Road, from Willowbrook to Stonegate where cars park for Windy Hill 28.33% 17 Make Alpine Road 3 lanes so residents can escape in case of fire 26.67% 16 Paint the shoulder green and upgrade it to a Class 2 bike lane 20.00% 12 Make large signs at the entrances to Portola Valley on Alpine and Portola Roads that indicate the presence of animals that might cross the road

18.33% 11
We need more marked crosswalks (if there is a particular location put in the comments) 15.00% 9 Make a middle turn lane to go into the Woodside Priory on Portola Road at Gambetta Lane (if another place put in the comments)

13.33% 8
Work with Portola Valley Ranch homeowners to maintain the sidewalks so they are not cracked or showing tree roots

10.00% 6
Make Corte Madera one-way during school days from school arrival to school departure times 10.00% 6 Investigate the possibility of creating a footpath under the Portola Road bridge between the Windmill and Willowbrook in dry weather

8.33% 5
Figure 42 Resident Survey - 7. Ranking of Potential Road Safety Improvements Many are interested in lowering the speed limit around schools to 15 mph. 216

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Councilmember Rebecca Flynn
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: 11/13/2025 C/CAG Governing Board Meeting

DISCUSSION
ACTION ITEMS:

1. MTC /ABAG - Three scheduled public hearings on the MTC Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ are offered in hybrid versions and are all regional in content. No hearings are scheduled on the Peninsula. https://planbayarea.org/draftplan San Mateo Fact sheet:
https://planbayarea.org/sites/default/files/documents/PBA2050PlusSanMateoCountyFactSheet.pdf? cb=85bf8b37 Public comments due by Dec 18.

2. Countywide program for Local Roadway Safety Plan: C/CAG received funding to write white papers to assist Towns and Cities for Vision Zero Local Roadway Safety Plan. Will be writing policies for eBikes. Creating a Traffic Safety Committee.

3. Recruiting to fill 3 expiring seats on the One Shoreline Board – (Central, Coastal, city at large seat) – Deadline for letter of interest Tuesday Dec 2. Email Sean Charpentier, Director of C/CAG [email protected]
MEETING NOTES:

Presentation from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ Update. Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the long-range plan for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on four key issues – transportation, housing, the economy, and the environment. By identifying 35 strategies designed to make the region more equitable for all residents and more resilient to unexpected challenges, Plan Bay Area 2050+ outlines a path forward over the coming decades. This includes critical infrastructure to improve our transportation system and to protect communities from rising sea levels — as well as the types of public policies necessary to realize a future growth pattern for housing and jobs. Plan Bay Area 2050+ also meets and exceeds federal and state planning requirements, allowing it to serve as the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy.

Plan Bay Area 2050+ developed in the post pandemic period with integrated new remote work schedules and transit declines, new financial constraints, planning for a more unified regional transit network, and increased concern for climate changes requiring increased resilience.

Future transit budget
74% maintenance and operations, 16% transit, 8% all other (multimodal), 1% going to highway expansion
Planning for 4.9 feet of sea level rise which will need $15 billion to remediate. 217
Create a seamless transit system without necessarily changing the governance structure.

San Mateo County RICAPS Climate Collaborative
two-year funding agreement between C/CAG and the County of San Mateo County Sustainability Department for staff services to support RICAPS (the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite) program in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for calendar years 2026 and 2027. The goal of RICAPS is for every city in San Mateo County and the County to have adopted plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a means to track individual jurisdiction and countywide progress though greenhouse gas emission inventories, and to provide ongoing implementation and technical support.

C/CAG Congestion Management Program
Opened a public hearing on the draft update to the 2025 Congestion Management Program and continue the public hearing to December 11, 2025. Presentations planned for local cities and Towns in San Mateo County.
https://ccag.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4.1-A1-CCAG-CMP-Monitoring-Report_10.10.25-1.pdf https://ccag.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4.1-A2-CCAG-CMP-2025-Draft-1.pdf Every two years, C/CAG, serving as the Congestion Management Agency for San Mateo County, prepares and adopts a Congestion Management Program (CMP). The Program identifies strategies to address transportation needs, reduce congestion, and promote coordinated, countywide solutions. It must also align with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) planning process to ensure local jurisdictions remain eligible for state and federal transportation funding.

Legislative update
SB 707 – Brown Act reform – Governor signed.

AB 650 (Papan) Housing Element Compliance –proposes a three-pronged approach: start the RHNA process earlier, allowing cities to begin planning sooner; require HCD to provide clear feedback and guidance; and offer relief to good actor cities in the form of a stay on the builder’s remedy while they are awaiting a response from HCD. – Vetoed by Governor. Will likely return in 2026 with tweaks.

SB 63 (Wiener and Arreguin) – approve ½ cent (San Mateo County) to 1 cent tax(SF) for public transportation with strong accountability measures and an adjudication committee about service levels, cleanliness. Includes return to source of funds that are in excess could be used for local transit and repavement of roads. – Governor signed – Planning for Nov 2026 ballot measure. Currently signature gathering and conversations in the community about budgets C/CAG may pursue an ebike legislation with an exemption to allow jurisdictions to regulate ebikes to require 16 years of age and helmets.

Executive Report
Recruiting to fill 3 expiring seats on the One Shoreline Board – (Central, Coastal, city at large seat) – Deadline for letter of interest Tuesday Dec 2. Email Sean Charpentier, director C/CAG [email protected]
Multimodal effort for El Camino Real for San Bruno and Millbrae to increase throughput for bicycles, pedestrians, and transits. Grand Boulevard Vision- El Camino Real for the entire SMC. 218

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO:

FROM:

DATE:

RE:

Mayor and Members of the Town Council
Councilmember Rebecca Flynn, alternate PCE Board Member December 10, 2025
11/20/2025 Peninsula Clean Energy Committee Meeting

DISCUSSION
PCE offers several residential programs for electrification:

1. Full service installation offerings
a. low income program below 80% AMI, residence below 2000 sf, no major assets.– no cost installation
b. Program for those not low income – fixed costs pre-negotiated and rebates and 0% financing)

2. Personalized program with concierge.

3. Self-service programs – information on rebates and contractors

4. Also an emergency water heater program details, provided by Fuse.

Rebates available for Personalized and self-service programs: $2500+$500 (Nov+Dec extra) for HPWH. Additional rebates for HPs and electrification and zero % financing available.

Notes

1. Ian Bain, Executive Director of Strategy and Communications, San Mateo County Office of Education -Excellence and equity in education. Support 84,000 students across 23 school districts. Also programs for students with disabilities, Juvenile court system and inclusive state preschool. Offer Environmental literacy program to the schools, outdoor education. Mr. Eco teach kids about HP, HPHW, Solar panels.$1.6M solar panels power purchase agreement with McMillan Electric. 20 charging stations at County office. 4th grade unit focus on power outages. Green Achiever Award. Career Technical Education – career pathways in EV and green building. Green facilities data collection on energy efficiency, electrification projects, hvac, etc – Try to coordinate with schools when they have bond measures to add sustainability measures to take advantage with rebates and incentives. San Carlos Schools has been a model with their new electrified HVAC. Facility Master Plan with sustainable initiatives will be a model for all 23 districts. Carport array and rooftop array – protects against rising costs. Building the microgrid.

2. Approval of 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
a. Mission: To provide affordable, clean electricity and advance local solutions that lower costs, reduce pollution, and strengthen community resilience. b. Vision: A fossil-free future where everyone thrives through clean energy that’s 219
accessible and affordable to all.
c. Guiding Principles (Evergreen)
i. Environmental impact - by accelerating electrification of transportation and buildings
ii. Customer-focused approach and expand customer participation in energy programs
iii. Economic Development – contain costs to rates below competitors, projects to reduce emissions.
iv. Driving innovation in regulatory, legislative, policy, workforce, procurement, distributed energy resource projects, technologies, operational tools, etc. d. Strategic Policies with Goals
i. Procurement – Add 500 MW of new clean/renewables resources ii. Equity Programs – secure $20 Million in external grant funding for equityfocused program that deliver direct benefits to vulnerable customers and communities.
iii. Distributed Energy Resources – Add 15 MW of local solar, 35MWh of storage at customer sites and launching at least one 10 MW virtual power plant. iv. Organizational Excellence

3. Approval to contribute 60% of the forecasted project development costs in match funding for one of the Community Microgrid applications under California Public Utilities Commission's Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) with a not-to-exceed budget of $10 million for one of two projects. Microgrids will provide 24 hour of power in winter by year ten. Submitting to PGE for the entire town of Pescadero and a microgrid project in the downtown area of Half Moon Bay where there are many critical facilities. Requesting funding for project development costs. The applications are scored based on the public benefits and the cost. Realistically will probably only pursue one because of the complexity.

4. Approval of three Contracts with Fuse Service Inc., Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air, & Villquin Air Services, Inc., in a Collective Amount Not-to Exceed $18M, to Provide Residential Full-Service Electrification Services and Emergency Water Heater Replacement Services to Customers . Residential programs to reduce GHG emissions and provide equity benefits to customers. Full service installation offering (low income below 80% AMI, residence below 2000 sf, no major assets.– no cost installation; and not low income program – fixed costs pre-negotiated and rebates and 0% financing), personalized program with concierge, and self-service programs.

Rebates: $2500+$500 for HPWH. Also a emergency water heater program details, provided by Fuse. PCE will directly manage the program in house to provide better customer responsiveness. 3 year warranty. Pool of three contractors. PCE was able to upgrade home with only a 100 A service.

5. Community Advisory Committee was sunset. Working groups will continue as needed and a new Community Feedback Forum (CFF) was created, targeting 6 meetings annually subject to staff review, and a plan to review the CFF format after a year. The CAC had limited representation from the 23 cities. The CFF will provide opportunity for more representation from a broader spectrum of the PCE customer community. Concerns about loss of experienced volunteers and request for public participation in the Board. CAC volunteers invited to continue on working groups (Building electrification, Marketing) and to continue to work with PCE. 220

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Councilmember Rebecca Flynn
DATE: December 10, 2025
RE: 12/02/2025 Conservation Committee Meeting

DISCUSSION
Action Items

1. Tree removal guidelines need to be updated on the website – new report template approved.

2. Check with Town Admin about the possibility of an ADU checklist for ADU/JADU ministerial approval.

3. Can videos be placed in the town newsletter?

4. Add a link to the Marin Fire Booklet in the Town’s website in the Conservation Committee section.

5. Need guidance from Town for liability insurance or waivers for volunteers for French Broom Pull Notes

1. Re-elected for another year: Chair: Marianne Plunder; Vice Chair: Judy Murphy; Secretary: Megan Richards

2. Priorities for 2026-2027 (tie each one to a lead member or subcommittee) a. Wildlife Habitat Protection (wildlife corridors, wildlife friendly fencing, backyard inventory program, rodenticide banning)
b. Vegetation Management for Open spaces and for residents c. Educational Articles – keep them associated with projects being worked on. d. Lecture Event – mountain lions, apex predators? – based on bandwidth of members e. Outreach – tables at picnic, etc.

3. Duration: discuss how to shorten the meetings and keep them on track and on the agenda.

4. Town Open Space Maintenance Report – Plant management plan / proposed scope of work 2026/27 – Committee approved new report (in packet from November 2025 meeting).

5. Wildlife Corridors/Fencing, Habitat Preservation & Wildlife Inventory Program Community Engagement –
a. Committee to visit Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve to learn more about their wildlife research, education, and stewardship initiatives.
b. Wildlife apps for birds, butterflies, flowers, plants, etc. (Merlin, bird buddy, iNaturalist Seek, etc): Apps can identify the animal or bird. There isn’t an app that allows people to enter their data and share it Considering creating an app or website to enter the data. Goal: share what is in residents’ backyards for community involvement to get people more excited about wildlife habitat protection. Plan to check with schools to find out what apps they are using.

Consider how to get the app to share the collected data.

6. Tip of the month: perfect timing for wildfire seeding now.

7. Nature and Science Committee– Sunday Jan 25, 2026 wildlife event–Conservation committee members are not available to participate.
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Portola Valley City CouncilDecember 10, 2025

Portola Valley City Council
December 10, 2025