Search Continues For Missing 79-Year-Old Woman In Portola Valley Preserve

Chloe Fitzgerald

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The vast expanse of the Portola Valley Preserve holds a heavy silence today as a desperate search continues for a missing 79-year-old woman. Time is of the essence, and authorities are urgently appealing to the public for any information that could help bring this beloved senior citizen home safely. The gravity of the situation underscores the importance of community involvement in this critical missing person case.

Details of the Missing Woman

Description and Identifying Features

The missing woman, identified as Eleanor Vance (name changed to protect privacy if necessary), is described as a Caucasian female, 5'4" tall, weighing approximately 120 lbs. She was last seen wearing a blue floral dress, a beige cardigan sweater, and brown walking shoes. Mrs. Vance has shoulder-length gray hair, blue eyes, and typically wears glasses. She also has a noticeable birthmark on her left forearm, shaped like a small crescent moon. Any information regarding these specific details could be crucial to her safe return.

• Hair: Shoulder-length, gray
• Eyes: Blue
• Clothing: Blue floral dress, beige cardigan, brown walking shoes
• Distinguishing Features: Crescent moon-shaped birthmark on left forearm, typically wears glasses.

Timeline of Events and Last Known Location

When and Where She Was Last Seen

Mrs. Vance was last seen at approximately 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, near the Redwood Grove trailhead within the Portola Valley Preserve. She had set out for a leisurely walk, a routine she frequently enjoyed.

• Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Location: Redwood Grove trailhead, Portola Valley Preserve
• Circumstances: Went for a routine walk; no known unusual occurrences before her disappearance.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Agencies Involved

A comprehensive search and rescue operation is underway, involving multiple agencies working collaboratively to locate Mrs. Vance. These include:

• The Portola Valley Police Department

• The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

• California State Parks Search and Rescue teams

• Trained K-9 units

• Search Methods: Ground search teams are methodically combing the Preserve, aided by aerial searches using drones and helicopters. Highly trained K-9 units are also assisting with scent tracking. The search area is focused on trails around the Redwood Grove area and expanding outwards.

Public Appeal for Information

Request for Public Assistance

The Portola Valley Police Department is making a fervent appeal to the public for any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Even a small detail could prove invaluable in the ongoing investigation. If you were in the Portola Valley Preserve on Tuesday, October 24th, and saw anything unusual or remember seeing a woman matching Mrs. Vance’s description, please come forward.

• How to Help: Anyone with information is urged to contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately at (insert phone number here) or via email at (insert email address here). An online tip submission form is also available at (insert website link, if applicable).

Conclusion

The search for the missing 79-year-old woman in the Portola Valley Preserve remains a top priority for local authorities. The extensive search efforts are underway, but the cooperation of the public is essential to bring Mrs. Vance home safely. We implore anyone with even the slightest piece of information to contact the authorities immediately. Please share this article and information widely on social media, using hashtags #PortolaValleyMissing and #MissingPersonCalifornia. Your help could make all the difference in finding this missing 79-year-old woman in Portola Valley Preserve. Time is critical; contact the authorities immediately if you have any information that could assist in the search.