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

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

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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.
Looking across Coyote Valley, covered in golden fields and farmlands, towards rolling golden hills in the distance all under a blue sky

Understanding Coyote Valley

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Understanding Coyote Valley documents history and existing conditions across 10 topic areas that correspond to the goals of Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP). CVCAMP will address needs for protected “last chance” valley floor that is critical to climate resilience of the region. Public process continues with community open houses starting in August.

With Newly Approved Work Plan and Annual Budget for 2024-25 Fiscal Year, Public Land Agency Invites Applications for Volunteers to Advise Board and Provide Public Fiscal Oversight

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June 17, 2024 – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority), a 30-yearold regional public land conservation agency that protects open space and connects people to nature, today announced openings for new members of the Authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) and Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee (EPOC). The open call for applicants follows the ratification on June 13 by the Authority’s elected Board of the agency’s 2024-25 fiscal year work plan and annual budget.