Town Meetings & News

The City Council will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 6 PM. The agenda has not been published. When it is published to view the agenda click here.

The Audit and Finance Committee meeting has been cancelled. The meeting will be rescheduled to later this March. That agenda has not been published. When it is published to view the agenda click here.

Peninsula Clean Energy in Schools

The Town of Atherton is proud to share an update on the important work happening in our local schools through Peninsula Clean Energy’s School Programs and Resources. These initiatives are helping prepare the next generation of environmental leaders while supporting our region’s transition to a cleaner, healthier future.

Peninsula Clean Energy has invested significantly in youth education and school‑based sustainability efforts. This commitment is bringing hands‑on learning, teacher training, and innovative climate‑action programs directly into classrooms across San Mateo County.

Youth Climate Ambassadors Program
High school students receive training, mentorship, and real‑world experience to lead climate‑action projects in their schools and neighborhoods, building leadership skills and environmental awareness.
Green Career Awareness
Middle and high school students participate in experiential field trips and clean‑energy career exploration, helping them understand emerging opportunities in sustainability fields.
Teacher Support & Curriculum Development
PCE partners with the San Mateo County Office of Education to develop curriculum and train teachers to integrate clean‑energy concepts into science and math instruction.
Featured Partnerships
Recent collaborations include the launch of the Sustainability Career Center at Cañada College, where student interns are creating interactive exhibits on clean energy and sustainability .
Clean Energy Science Education
Programs like the Science Wax Museum and solar‑energy field trips give students hands‑on opportunities to explore clean‑energy technologies and scientific discovery.
Green Schools Program
PCE helps school districts replace fossil‑fuel appliances with electric equipment and provides tailored recommendations to reduce emissions and improve air quality on campuses.

San Mateo County’s Department of Emergency Management has unveiled a new online Emergency Preparedness Hub designed to help residents better prepare for earthquakes, storms, and wildfire‑related power shutoffs. The hub consolidates evacuation maps, emergency alerts, and preparedness checklists into a single, easy‑to‑navigate platform. County officials emphasized that recent winter storms underscore the importance of household readiness and encouraged all residents to sign up for SMC Alert, the County’s official emergency notification system. The new resource supports regional resilience and strengthens coordination between cities and the County.

To learn more visit: https://www.smchealth.org/emergency-preparedness

Community Update

The Town of Atherton would like to share an important community update recently posted on our public‑safety channels. Our goal is to keep residents informed, aware, and connected to the resources that help maintain the safety and wellbeing of our neighborhoods.

Recent Public Safety Activity

The Atherton Police Department responded to a situation in the community involving suspicious activity reported by a resident. Officers arrived promptly, assessed the scene, and ensured that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The incident was resolved safely, and no injuries were reported.

As always, the Police Department encourages residents to report unusual or concerning behavior as soon as it is observed. Quick reporting allows officers to respond rapidly and maintain the high level of safety our community expects.

How Residents Can Stay Informed

The Town continues to share timely updates through official channels, including:

• Nextdoor for neighborhood‑level alerts

• Atherton Police Department Nixle and SMC Alert for emergency notifications

• Town website and email updates for broader community information

We encourage all residents to sign up for these platforms to ensure they receive accurate and timely information directly from the Town.

Community Partnership Matters

Atherton remains one of the safest communities in the region because of the strong partnership between residents and public‑safety personnel. Your vigilance, communication, and willingness to report concerns play a vital role in maintaining that standard.

If you see something that doesn’t look right, please contact the Atherton Police Department immediately. Officers are available 24/7 and are committed to keeping our community safe.

To learn more visit the Eventbrite here.

COGNITIVE WELL-BEING WORKSHOP

Atherton's Senior Task Force will host two (2) workshops on cognitive well-being. There will be presentations from medical professionals at Sutter Health and Stanford Neurology.

Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 AM
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM

Where: Woodside Town Hall at 2955 Woodside Road

To join scan the QR Code in the flyer below.

County Transportation Authority

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), in partnership with Caltrans and local jurisdictions, announced progress on a series of El Camino Real safety upgrades aimed at reducing collisions and improving pedestrian and bicycle access. Current efforts include signal timing improvements, new high‑visibility crosswalks, and planning for protected bike lanes in select segments. These upgrades are part of a long‑term corridor modernization strategy that supports safer multimodal travel throughout the County. Additional community outreach meetings are planned for spring to gather resident input on future phases.

Learn more about the Grand Boulevard Initiative here: https://www.samtrans.com/projects/gbi

Atherton Library Events - Troo's Friendship Lap

March 15, 2026 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Unlock the magic of connection at The Friendship Lab, a workshop designed to empower children ages 6–11 with the essential tools for social success. In these high-energy, 1.5-hour "working sessions," children step into the role of scientists to experiment with what sparks a friendship.

To learn more and register click here.

Digital Equity Programs:

The San Mateo County Libraries system has expanded its Digital Equity Initiative, offering free Wi‑Fi hotspots, laptop lending, and digital‑skills training for residents. The program aims to close the digital divide by supporting seniors, students, and low‑income households who may lack reliable internet access. New workshops include cybersecurity basics, online job‑search skills, and virtual‑meeting proficiency.

To learn more click here: https://www.smcgov.org/tsd/san-mateo-county-digital-equity-portal

Did You Know?

Annual Waste Wise Event - April 11 at Holbrook Palmer Park

Items You Can Bring

Residents may drop off a variety of household materials, including:

• Electronic waste (e‑waste): computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, cables, small appliances

• Batteries: household batteries, rechargeable batteries, and small device batteries

• Light bulbs: fluorescent tubes, CFLs, and LED bulbs

• Small metal items: scrap metal, metal fixtures, and small hardware

• Cardboard and mixed recyclables

• Gently used household goods for donation (if applicable for this event)

These items will be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of through certified waste‑handling partners.

Items You Cannot Bring

For safety and regulatory reasons, the following materials will not be accepted:

• Paint, solvents, or chemicals

• Household hazardous waste (HHW): pesticides, cleaners, pool chemicals

• Medical waste: sharps, medications, biohazard materials

• Large appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, water heaters

• Construction debris: concrete, lumber, drywall, roofing materials

• Automotive waste: tires, oil, antifreeze, car batteries

Residents with hazardous waste should use San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program, which offers free appointments throughout the year

Questions, contact Management Analyst II Soria Mendoza at csoria-mendoza@athertonca.gov

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