Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a two-week celebration that kicks off the start of the new year which is based on the lunisolar calendar. Each new year is symbolized by one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs which were used as the initial method to count years, months, days and hours in the calendar. 2025 is represented by the snake, a creature that is commonly found at Open Space Authority preserves and known to be a strong protector and, at times, untrustworthy. Keep reading to learn more about snakes and, in particular, red snakes that are native to California!

Garnetta Annable has been a strong regional leader for parks, trails, and open space since the 1980’s, and was active in formation and leadership of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority over the past several decades. In December 2024, Garnetta stepped down from her role on the Open Space Authority's Board of Directors.

This holiday season, the Open Space Authority is taking the liberty of putting a wish list together for the wildlife that call your open spaces home.

Andrea Mackenzie, the general manager for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, shares a reflective and hopeful message about the future of the agency as well as our commitment to caring for nature to benefit the people and wildlife who live in the Santa Clara Valley.

The summer sun was shining against the rolling golden hills of San José as a group of eight high school students worked together over five days to dig holes, insert fence posts into the ground and string wire across a half-mile piece of protected land - all in the name of conservation. This hardworking group from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) completed an impressive fence project where they learned about nature, local wildlife and land management techniques while connecting with their peers.

As a part of the in-progress Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP) we asked community members to submit photos* that reveal the many unique aspects of this important conservation landscape’s open spaces.

Amidst a growing wave of support from passionate community advocates dedicated to preserving the intrinsic natural beauty of Santa Clara Valley, in July 1994, Larry Coons stepped into the position of general manager at the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (Authority) - now known as the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Sadly, Larry passed away on April 1, 2024.

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.