Fascinating History
Woodside and Portola Valley entered the current of recorded history on November 6, 1769 - only two hundred years ago. On that day a straggling caravan of weary Spaniards limped southward from their valley campsite of the previous night and, at a point immediately south of what today is Canada College, the expedition left the valley through which it had been travelling (Canada Valley) and ascended the low-lying hills to the east. Here they paused, gazing out over the plain and vexing "arm of the sea" that was at once the most momentous of discoveries and, in the eyes of the expedition, no discovery at all.

This adventuresome band was the first Portola expedition: 63 men and 200 horses and mules. Their geographic position as of November 6 was the product of many desolate miles of travel, from the Mexican Coast and Baja California up to San Diego, and from that station northward in search of the elusive bay known as Monte Rey. Their by-now perplexed leader was Captain Gaspar de Portola, first governor of the California and heir to a considerable fortune as well. He had been sent to New Spain in 1764 at the age of 46; five years later the king's inspector general, Jose de Galvez, appointed him to command the search for a land route to Monte Rey Bay. As a man of action, Portola was more than willing to comply with the order.

Sebastian Vizcaino, having viewed Monte Rey Bay from the sea in 1603, had rhapsodized, "The best port that could be desired, for besides being sheltered from all the winds it has many pines for masts and yard..." From the land, however, this harbor wasn't equal to the enthusiastic description, and it is small wonder that the Portola expedition did not recognize the open roadstead at Monterey as the "snug harbor" described by Vizcaino. By November 6 the lost and bewildered explorers were, in Portola's words, "skeletons who had been spared by scurvy, hunger, and thirst." And now before them spread a vast plain with the big tree or spike they had named "palo alto" clearly visible in the distance.***

The Mid-Peninsula Communities continued to grow in many ways to fit the needs of a progressive community, yet it looks back with pride at its past...its beginnings...and hopes to pass on to new generations the goals and ambitions of its pioneer families.

*** Information Courtesy of "Crossroads: People and Events of the Redwoods of San Mateo County" by Gilbert Richards.

A Local Introduction
As a real estate professional, Judi believes it is not only her duty, but a privilege to introduce people to the Silicon Valley area and help them make the most of living here. She also knows that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're relocating. Her goal is to coordinate everything as smoothly and efficiently as possible here, while you're wrapping up the final details of packing up and moving out of your current home.