Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As I’m sure you’ve heard, San Mateo County has been added to the State’s watch list; barring a major change in trends, we will see some businesses and activities curtailed, effective at 12:01am on Saturday.

I am frustrated by this turn of events—as, I’m sure, are many of you. One reason I’m frustrated is because there are some very simple steps we can all take, which I know most if not all of you are taking, that could be greatly slowing the spread of COVID-19 and allowing us to continue more of our normal activities.

Wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings, especially indoors. When you are out, stay 6 feet away from people not in your household. We can slow the spread and get back off of the watchlist—if we all work together.

San Mateo County Added to State’s COVID-19 Monitoring List

Yesterday, The County of San Mateo was added to the state’s monitoring list, due to an increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases in the county. If the county exceeds the state’s case rate threshold for three consecutive days, certain industries and activities will be required to cease operations unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up. Read more about it here.

It seems unlikely that we will reduce our COVID-19 cases by Saturday. As we have seen, current cases tend to reflect the activities and behavior of the previous 1 to 2 weeks. If the case rate continues to rise, San Mateo County will be forced to close:

· Gyms and fitness centers

· Places of worship and cultural ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals

· Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors

· Personal care services, like nail salons and body waxing

· Hair salons and barbershops

· Shopping malls

Check the State’s industry guidance to see if your business is affected.

Schools cannot offer in-person classes until we have been off the list for at least 14 days. Our local schools are already planning for virtual classrooms to begin the school year, and they will keep families informed on their plans for the remainder of the year.

Town Clean-Up Event – August 1st.

The Town will be holding a Neighborhood Clean-Up event with GreenWaste at Town Center on Saturday, August 1st, from 8 am until 12:30 pm. You will need to show the postcard you received in the mail from GreenWaste to participate. Due to COVID-19, this is the first held in Town this year. We expect a big crowd, due to pent-up demand for this event. Please watch for bikes and proceed slowly past Town Center. We ask for your patience, as lines will be long and GreenWaste will have safety measures and social distancing protocols in place that may slow the drop-off process.

Please note: Enclosed trailers and trailers larger than 4x8 will be turned away.

· Do NOT attend the event if you are sick.

· Remain in your vehicle at all times – you’ll need to show GreenWaste staff this notification postcard through your car window.

· Keep your window rolled up and bring a face covering in case you need it

· Please be advised that the process will be slower due to safety precautions.

· Please wipe down any portion of your vehicle that may have been touched by event staff.

This event we will not be accepting medications. There are a few safe disposal sites available. You can find the San Mateo County Sheriff’s list here

Race and Equity Conversation.

The Town Council greatly values your participation in the Race and Equity Conversation in Portola Valley. We have received some thoughtful responses so far. Please take the time to answer the questions and encourage your friends, family, and anyone coming into Portola Valley who is doing work for you to take part in the conversation. Your input will help guide the council to next steps.

You can join the conversation in English or in Spanish.

The Council will hear an update on these efforts at their next meeting on August 12, including announcements on more engagement ideas and events.

Red Cross Offers Virtual Care for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones to COVID-19

In order to provide support to families and communities who have suffered loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Red Cross has developed a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC). Many families have lost loved ones, to various causes, during this pandemic, and they have been unable to fully mourn those losses due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. To help, the Red Cross has set up a virtual team of specially trained mental health, spiritual care, and health services volunteers.

Visit redcross.org/VFAC to access this resource with special virtual programs, information, referrals, and services to support families in need. The VFAC will also connect people to other community resources that may be provided when available. People without internet access can call toll-free 1-833-492-0094 for help.

General Election – Nomination period

The next General Municipal Election of the Town of Portola Valley will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, to elect two Town Councilmembers each to a four-year seat. If you are interested in running for one of the positions the paperwork is due August 7, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information and instructions refer to the elections page on the Town’s Website via this link.

Virtual Committee Meetings

We are now conducting all of our Town committee meetings on Zoom. If you are interested in learning what our committees do, or you’re thinking about volunteering for a committee, please join one of the meetings. Next week the Parks & Recreation Committee, the Bicycle Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee, and the Emergency Preparedness Committee will meet. All are welcome to join the meetings.

Preparing for Wildfires

It is hard to think about wildfires while still dealing with COVID-19. But we still need to do our yearly preparations for the possibility of fires in Portola Valley. Woodside Fire and WPV Ready held a Zoom class on Wildland Fire Resiliency in Your Neighborhood. If you missed it, the recorded program is now available on YouTube. You can also learn more about creating defensible space around your house on the Woodside Fire Department website.

I was in a call with some local colleagues this week and I lamented (half-jokingly) that my approach to COVID-19 safety is to scold, constantly. I’m sorry if I come off as scolding or judgmental in these messages. I understand that it’s hard to keep following the rules and avoiding your cherished people and activities—especially when you see others flaunting those rules. I know kids (and quite a few adults) want to see their friends and play together—I miss favorite sports too (Sally and I are long-time players in the Town Softball League, which had to be suspended this Summer). I know that I (as part of Local Government) ask you to disrupt your lives and forgo your favorite activities, and I’m sorry for that.

I’m still hopeful that, with slightly more care and better behavior, we can reverse our growth in cases and re-open parts (not all) of our economy. Here’s the hard part: it depends on all of us. It depends on doing your part, and reminding others when they’re not being safe. It’s uncomfortable asking strangers to follow the rules; it can be even harder to ask your friends and loved ones to follow those rules. It’s hard, but every little action helps. Please be safe and careful, and remind those around you (gently) to do the same. Thanks for everything you’re doing.

Best Regards,

Jeff Aalfs, Mayor

Town of Portola Valley