Kat Hill interviewed by ABC 7

Pressroom

Pressroom

Media Inquiries

Welcome to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority pressroom. 

If you are seeking information and imagery for educational purposes or media use, please reach out to the Public Information Manager.

Press Contact

Charlotte Graham

Public Information Manager

408-439-6541

News@openspaceauthority.org

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The Open Space Authority monthly e-newsletter shares important, timely events, information and fun facts about your open space preserves. Click here to read the latest newsletter!

In The News

External links to recent articles about the Open Space Authority
Seven members of the Open Space Authority's Board of Directors pose for a photo against a wood backdrop.

February 1, 2026 - The Mercury News

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Announces Board of Directors Updates

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority appointed Cathryn Ming Hyde to the District 5 seat on the authority’s board at its Jan. 22 meeting.

Read the full blurb here.

A nature trail leads to a tree during golden hour

February 1, 2026 - East Bay Times

Transparently Excellent

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority recently received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation in recognition of its efforts to promote transparency and good governance.

Read the full blurb here.

Wasim Sahibzada crouches near the ground to cultivate the saffron stamen

December 21, 2025 - Siliconeer

“Kesari” California – Growing Saffron in Silicon Valley

Wasim Sahibzada is a fourth-generation saffron farmer who is using the expertise of his family’s rich heritage to grow saffron in Silicon Valley and offer community members the opportunity to learn more about this unique spice.

Read the article here.

Aerial image of Laguna Seca with the city of San Jose in the background

December 3, 2025 - Nature

Cities are embracing nature for flood defense

This piece explores how cities are turning to natural solutions to reduce flood risk and features the Open Space Authority's efforts to restore ecological and hydrological functions in Coyote Valley.

Click here to read the article.

FAQ

Latest News

Press Releases & Media Advisories

New Urban Grant Cycle Opens

Publish On
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) is now accepting proposals for its 2025 Urban Grant Program, which funds local projects that connect people in urban communities to nature. The Authority invites applications from nonprofits, schools and public agencies for projects such as environmental education, outdoor events, classes and programs, and other initiatives that provide meaningful connections to nature and open space. Individual grants range from $30,000 to $75,000.
Aerial View of Fisher Creek and Fisher's Bend

Northern California Public Media: Fisher Creek Women

Publish On
When a group of women environmentalists from Point Blue Conservation Science and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority get together to plant native flora along a creek bank in Coyote Valley, the conversation turns to the role of women in conservation. Hear how they excel in nurturing and caring for the planet! For more information visit https://www.openspaceauthority.org and https://www.pointblue.org
Mike Flaugher along with fellow board members and OSA staff hold a framed certificate

The Mercury News: Milpitas Open Space Authority director dies

Publish On
Mike Flaugher, a longtime Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority director who represented Milpitas on the board, died on Saturday, Feb. 22. As director of District 2, Flaugher also represented communities from North San José and Berryessa. He first joined the authority as a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee in 2012 before being elected to the board in 2014.