The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has an opening on its Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee, whose members review the use of all public funds collected via the authority’s parcel tax.

The Open Space Authority recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Margie Matthews and Lisanna Dominguez. Lisanna will serve the remaining term of Mike Potter of District 6 and Margie Matthews is set to serve the remaining term of the late David "Mike" Flaugher of District 2.

This June, the Open Space Authority partnered with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), Alnus Ecological and Nature's Engineers to build two beaver dam analogs (BDAs) in Coyote Valley’s Laguna Seca. This process-based restoration project aims to keep more water in this seasonal wetland, restore some of its natural hydrology, and benefit the plants and animals who rely on this important landscape.

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.

State and local officials celebrated the addition of 14.1 miles to the Bay Area Ridge Trail May 30, marking the largest single-day dedication in decades for the ambitious project to create a continuous 550-mile loop around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Local officials, outdoor agencies and community members gathered on Friday, May 30, at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to celebrate the official dedication of new segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This momentous occasion marks a step forward in enhancing public access to Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park, thanks to recent updates to the Countywide Trails Master Plan and the ongoing efforts of conservation partners.

Photo Advisory: Trail Partners Dedicated New Section of Bay Area Ridge Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.

Margie Matthews was recently sworn in as a director on the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority board, replacing the late David “Mike” Flaugher to represent District 2 until Dec. 4, 2026, the remainder of Flaugher’s term. District 2 includes Milpitas.