Portola Valley committee to submit $1,100 budget request for youth climate video contest

A Portola Valley Town committee voted to submit a $1,100 budget request for the PV Youth Climate Action Video Competition and settled logistics for prizes, publicity and video submissions.

Committee members discussed budget needs for the contest and initially referenced a $1,500 figure as a typical annual allotment for events. Andy suggested reducing the request to $1,100 to reflect town budget constraints, and the group moved to submit $1,100 for the 2026–2027 budget cycle; the motion passed with those present.

The committee also reviewed prize arrangements. One member said Brooke had not yet solicited local businesses for gift-card donations; another member offered to provide prize money through a family foundation but said they needed guidance on the correct process for routing funds to the town or the town-affiliated foundation. Members agreed to consult Mary Hefty about how to accept or process donations.

On event logistics, the group confirmed October 2 as the tentative date for the town star party and said the star party paperwork still needs to be filed to finalize the booking. For the video contest, the committee decided not to hold a formal awards ceremony at PV Palooza unless arrangements are confirmed; instead they will notify winners and participants by email. Committee members reviewed a draft flyer, discussed creating an email dropbox for video submissions, and agreed Reed and Brooke would assist with forum and bulletin-board postings to publicize the contest.

The meeting also included routine business: members approved the March 12 meeting minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.; the next regularly scheduled meeting is June 11.

Details recorded in committee discussion: proposed budgets of $1,500 and $1,100; banner costs cited at about $500–$550; prize plan of roughly three $100 gift cards mentioned; star party date Oct. 2; next meeting June 11.