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Sentimental words were shared by the Portola Valley community during Howard Young’s last week as the town’s public works director. The town celebrated Young’s 22 years of service with multiple parties in his honor, a proclamation from the town, and a commendation of service signed by state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, and Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto.
“I have many fond memories here. I know almost every foot of street and much of the land by almost memory and mention, I have so much community support. It’s overwhelming,” said Young during a Town Council meeting on June 26. “As I leave now for another opportunity and start the next chapter in my life, I wish you all well and continued success.”
As the public works director, Young built and maintained the roads, trails, buildings and infrastructure of Portola Valley. Residents are sad to see the town lose Young’s “institutional knowledge” and say “he’s irreplaceable.”
“To lose that depth of knowledge, we’ll pay the price of that,” said Judith Murphy, vice chair of the Conservation Committee.
‘To lose that depth of knowledge, we’ll pay the price of that.’
Judith Murphy, vice chair of Portola Valley’s Conservation Committee
When community members had comments or questions about the town, Young was “always reachable by the phone,” said Rita Comes, president of Portola Valley Neighbors United. Many appreciated Young’s dedication and willingness to assist them at all hours of the day.
“Howard [Young] is responsive. Whether called upon to address an emergency condition, a tree or landslide blocking a road or a trail that needs fixing, a call or email to Howard has meant that a response is forthcoming and that action will be coordinated and thoughtfully prioritized based on need. Howard is available and transparent in his thinking,” said Fred Leach, chair of the Trails and Paths Committee.
The Portola Valley Town Council pose with out going public works director Howard Young. Courtesy town of Portola Valley 
Council member Mary Hufty and Howard Young pose for a photo taken by Portola Valley resident Rita Comes. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi. 
A wooden horse figurine gifted to Howard Young by Portola Valley residents. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi. 
Gifts and cards were signed with words of appreciation for Howard Young’s 22 years of service to the town. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi.
Young spearheaded the project to build Town Center in 2008, which now serves as a main hub for the community to gather and for town staff to work. His work is also reflected in the town’s disaster preparedness, keeping Portola Valley safe from storm damages, flooding and more, according to Comes.
“I just want to thank you for your commitment and your hard work, your loyalty, but above all, in many ways your friendship to the town,” said Mayor Sarah Wernikoff to Young during the council meeting.
Young also served as interim town manager in March 2023 while also managing his role as the public works director until current town manager Sharif Etman filled the role in August 2023.
His last week as the town’s public works director was bittersweet. On June 24, a party was held with town staff and volunteers and on June 27 a tea party was hosted by Comes and the community to honor Young’s long years of service.
During the tea party, over 20 residents gathered in Town Center bringing homemade banana bread, cookies, and muffins while sipping on tea and sharing their appreciation for Young.
The community gifted him a wooden horse figurine to memorialize his work on the trails in Portola Valley and keeping them “clear, passable, and useful,” said town resident Dan Quinn. Residents also filled multiple cards with kind words acknowledging Young’s hard work.
Signs are placed around Town Center saying “Let us thank Howard Young!” and “Howard Young, irreplaceable.” He expressed his appreciation for the community’s overwhelming support and efforts to honor over two decades of service.
“I’m going to miss the people and the community the most,” said Young to The Almanac.
I think we can lay to rest the idea that this departure is not voluntary.
That points to a motivating factor that working in Town Hall in this suburban bastion of exclusively — ex … clusively! — upper middle class residents eventually wears down the optimism and good will of its public employees.
Howard Young is nothing if not optimistic. He embodies good will.
Diversify your community economically, Portola Valley. Your garden of Eden is not how nonresidents who pay any attention to the town’s vibe see your community. Not at all.
Be a profile in courage and slay the NIMBY beast.