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Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

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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. 

A person wearing a white shirt and broad rimmed hat stands behind a white podium holding a black and green microphone in front of a field of tall golden grass
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. 

A person wearing a blue shirt and cap stands behind a white podium holding a black and green microphone and stretching an arm out, smiling
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.

Two images of people wearing hats and sunglasses speaking into a green and black microphone behind a white podium at an outdoor event
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. 

Three images of people speaking into a green and black microphone behind a white podium at an outdoor event
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. 

Two images of people speaking into a green and black microphone behind a white podium at an outdoor event; the person on the left holds up a white sign with the green words "RIBBIT!"
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, Megan Fluke and Andrea Mackenzie speak about 2010-2020
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.

Two images of people wearing sunglasses speaking into a green and black microphone behind a white podium at an outdoor event
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.

A person wearing a gray shirt and cap stands behind a white podium holding a black and green microphone, smiling
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.

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