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Portola Valley committees outline 2026 priorities: emergency preparedness and open‑space easements
Summary
The Emergency Preparedness Committee presented its 2026 priorities — EOC/EOP procedures, communications upgrades and evacuation planning — while the Open Space Committee emphasized protecting Ford Field, pursuing easements and trail connectivity and coordinating with other committees.
Two town advisory committees presented priorities to the Portola Valley Town Council on Feb. 10.
Emergency Preparedness Committee chair Craig Heber reviewed EPC achievements in 2024–25 — written operational protocols, responsibility for AM 1680 radio operations, new road signage and updated EOC materials — and proposed four priorities for 2026: finalize EOC procedures and the emergency operations plan, strengthen communications including AM 1680 operations, refine evacuation planning in coordination with council resilience planning, and support the town safety element. "We advise and coordinate emergency response capabilities for the town," Heber said, and asked for council guidance on EPC’s planned deliverables.
EPC vice chair Kim Cashion noted the EOC procedures were drafted in January 2026 and highlighted training and communications work already underway.
Open Space Committee chair Carter Warr told the council the committee’s work in the past year focused on protecting Ford Field and exploring use of open‑space funds for easements, trail connectivity and acquisition opportunities. The committee recommended creating criteria and a small subcommittee to review opportunities and proposed working with planning, trails and conservation committees to strengthen connectivity and fuel‑management outcomes.
Councilmembers thanked both committees for their volunteer work and asked staff and the committees to coordinate on overlapping priorities — especially evacuation planning, public‑works interfaces and grant or funding needs — as the council moves into discussions about capital priorities and midyear budget choices.
