Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
In a meaningful convening of minds and hearts, the founders of the Open Space Authority joined key champions of Coyote Valley’s protection—past, present, and future—to reflect on five decades of advocacy and envision the next chapter of conservation.
Master of Ceremonies, Dianne McKenna, former Santa Clara County Supervisor (1985-1996).
Guiding the proceedings with warmth and expertise was Dianne McKenna, with her deep-rooted commitment to land preservation and public service, McKenna set the tone for a gathering that celebrated the legacy of open space conservation in the Santa Clara Valley.
Master of Ceremonies, Dianne McKenna, former Santa Clara County Supervisor
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Mike Honda, Former U.S. Congressman, California Assemblymember and Santa Clara County Supervisor
The day began with a land acknowledgement, followed by a keynote address from Mike Honda, whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing the Open Space Authority and shaping regional policies that protect open spaces and foster environmental stewardship. His words set the tone for a gathering rooted in history, progress and an unwavering commitment to preserving Santa Clara Valley’s natural and working landscapes.
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Mike Honda, Former U.S. Congressman, California Assemblymember and Santa Clara County Supervisor
Celebrating 50 Years of Open Space
📌 1980-1990 and earlier – The foundational years, when early advocates laid the groundwork for conservation policies and grassroots action.
Rod Diridon Sr., former Santa Clara County Supervisor (1975–1994) ☆ Vicki Moore, former Policy Director for Greenbelt Alliance and Founder of Living Classroom
📌 1990-2000 – A decade of building momentum, creation of the Open Space Authority, and building awareness about the important resources at risk in Coyote Valley.
Garnetta Annable, former Director for the Authority/Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) member ☆ Carl Guardino, an inaugural CAC member and President/CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group ☆ John Fioretta, Grassroots Activist
📌 2000-2010 – Expansion of efforts, setting smart growth policies, community engagement, and new partnerships that fortified the movement to protect Coyote Valley.
Don Weden, Principal Planner for Santa Clara County for 34 years ☆ Barbara Marshman, former Editorial Editor for The San José Mercury News
📌 2010-2020 – The push for larger-scale preservation projects for long-term ecological sustainability, as well as securing key protections for Coyote Valley and strengthening public awareness.
Congressman Sam Liccardo ☆ Walter Moore, former President of Peninsula Open Space Trust ☆ Megan Fluke, Former Executive Director at Green Foothills (2013-2023) ☆ Andrea Mackenzie, Open Space Authority General Manager
📌 2020-2030: A Green Vision for Santa Clara Valley’s Future – Our work is not finished yet! The agency continues looking ahead to innovative solutions that integrate accessibility, restoration and education into the Authority's conservation initiatives.
Nick Perry, Open Space Authority Long-Range Planning Manager & Coyote Valley Project Director ☆ Julie Hutcheson, Green Foothills Executive Director
Honoring Our Founders: A Vision for the Future
Lucas Shellhammer, Planning, Design & Construction Manager, introduced plans for a new future accessible and interpretive space, designed to invite all visitors into the story of land preservation in Coyote Valley and the benefits of a thriving Valley oak savanna ecosystem.
Lucas Shellhammer introduces plans for Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
🌳 Looking Forward 🌳
With deep gratitude for the trailblazers who paved the way, and optimism for the future, this convening reaffirmed the shared responsibility to protect, cherish and invest in Santa Clara Valley’s open spaces.
Related Posts
