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 Officer.

Press Contact

Charlotte Graham

Public Information

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
A sounder of feral pigs rooting in a field at the Open Space Authority Tilton Ranch property

September 11, 2025 - KQED Bay Curious

Invasion of the Grub Snatchers: How One Rich Guy’s Russian Boars Colonized California

This story features David Mauk, the Open Space Authority's Natural Resource Technician II, and dives into the history of how wild pigs were introduced to our region and the damage they cause to local ecosystems, specifically including Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. 

Click here to listen to the podcast episode.

A photo of a woman in Open Space Authority gear with a title card that reads "Katheryn Hill, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Open Space Authority."

September 3, 2025 - Northern California Public Media

Riparian Restoration: Helping Native Plants Thrive 
Kat Hill, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's Volunteer Program Coordinator, works with staff and volunteers to return native plants to ecologically sensitive riparian areas along Fisher Creek in Coyote Valley.

Watch this video to learn more.

Woman walking with mapping tool on trail with green hills and blue sky

July 8 - Northern California Public Media

There’s a MAP for that!  Cartographer Anna McGarrigle uses the latest Geographic Information System technology (GIS )to make up-to-date maps for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

Click here to watch the video.

Feral Pigs Canva 2

June 11, 2025 - Smithsonian Magazine

Wild pigs are causing big problems in California’s Bay Area, and their population seems to be growing.

Feral pigs are going “hog wild” across the San Francisco Bay Area—and wildlife officials are ramping up their efforts to stop the destructive creatures.

Click here to read the full story.

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Latest News

Press Releases & Media Advisories

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.

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority District 2 Director Mike Flaugher Passes

Publish On
San José, Calif. (February 24, 2025) - The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) announces the passing of Mike Flaugher, Director of District 2 on Saturday, February 22. Director Flaugher represented communities from North San José, Berryessa and the City of Milpitas since 2014
A cornfield full of tall green crops with a row of sunflowers in the foreground, under a pink cloudy sunrise

The Mercury News: California Senate Bill takes aim at saving farm lands

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Amid a push by local leaders to conserve farmlands and open spaces in the Bay Area from future development, state senator David Cortese has introduced a bill that would shore up funding to preserve agricultural land throughout the state despite the measure’s uncertain financial outlook.
Two hikers traverse the Arrowhead Trail at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. They are both wearing gray sweaters, black leggings and hiking shoes.

The Mercury News: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority looking for good citizens

Publish On
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) is looking to fill two vacancies. One representative is sought for District 6, which encompasses San Jose’s Alum Rock area. Applicants must reside within the district’s boundaries, preferably be a registered voter and have experience participating with community groups within the district.