We’re pleased to report that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved the final plan for the LS Power energy facility – and it will NOT be in Coyote Valley! After hundreds of community members called for the facility to be constructed on PG&E’s existing Metcalf substation, rather than on the orchard in Coyote Valley where it was first proposed, PG&E decided to work with LS Power to make this happen. Thanks to everyone who emailed the CPUC or who came to public meetings and spoke on this issue. Your voice makes a difference! The Threat: An Energy Facility...
Invest in the Open Space Authority: Vote Yes on Measure D
On Election Day, June 2, some local voters will have a new chance to shape the future of our region’s lands, water, and climate resilience. By voting Yes on Measure D, voters can protect local natural lands and farmland under the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s jurisdiction. If you live in San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, or unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, you’ll see Measure D on your ballot. Please vote Yes to support the Open Space Authority in protecting our water and preventing wildfires. Measure D – the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean...
Green Foothills Remembers: Ellie Huggins-Wendin, 1929-2026
The Green Foothills community was saddened to learn of the passing of former Green Foothills board member Ellie Huggins-Wendin. Ellie was an East-Coaster before moving to California with her husband Bob in 1954. She was born and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She spent several summers during high school at the Putney School in Vermont, famed for its environmental programs. She would carry on with this interest after moving to California. She attended Mt. Holyoke College. An early Green Foothills member, she was active in the campaign to create the Midpeninsula Regional Park (now Open Space) District in 1972. She...
Historic Victory at Juristac
In a huge victory for land, wildlife, and Indigenous cultural heritage, the proposed Sargent Ranch open-pit sand and gravel mine is no longer a threat to the Juristac landscape! In January, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced the purchase of this property for permanent conservation, putting an end to the Sargent Ranch Quarry proposal. This outcome would not have been possible without the thousands of people who emailed elected officials, signed the petition, attended rallies, and spoke out for Juristac. Thank you for helping make this historic win a reality! Why Juristac Is Important Juristac, located just south of...
Over 700 Voices Spoke Up for Coyote Valley – Thank You!
We are pleased to report that over 700 community members submitted emails urging the City of San José to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of the proposed Heritage Oaks Memorial Park project. This is an extraordinarily strong level of community opposition to a development project. Thank you to all who spoke up to help protect Coyote Valley. Here is the comment letter I submitted to the city on behalf of Green Foothills. It points out all the flaws and inaccuracies in the city’s environmental review, and asks that the city go back and do a better job...
Celebrating and Building our Community Ambassador Program
Last year we launched the Green Foothills Community Ambassador Program (CAP) to increase awareness of our work in the communities we serve. In just one year, it’s already making a difference. A growing network of dedicated volunteers is helping share our work, build new connections, and broaden our reach across the region. Here’s a look at how the program is taking shape—and where it’s headed next. Grab Lunch and Yap With CAP CAP volunteers’ main job is to help staff Green Foothills’ information tables at community events. If you’re interested in learning more about this, and possibly becoming a Community...
Species Spotlight: Western Snowy Plover
When you’re strolling along the beach or hiking bayside trails, you might catch a glimpse of a tiny bird on spindly legs running across the sand. With their quick movements and soft coloring, Western Snowy Plovers easily capture the hearts of those who are lucky enough to spot one. But these small shorebirds face outsized challenges. Listed as federally threatened in 1993, the Western Snowy Plover continues to struggle against habitat loss, disturbance from human activity, and off-leash dogs, all of which jeopardize these shorebirds’ ability to thrive on our shorelines. Several local organizations, including Green Foothills, are closely monitoring...
Heritage Oaks Cemetery Threatens Coyote Valley
The City of San Jose is considering approval of a massive cemetery complex in the hills above Coyote Valley, in an area critical for wildlife connectivity and treasured for its sweeping natural views. The proposed Heritage Oaks Memorial Park would level the ridgeline, fragment habitat with buildings and roads, add a crematory, and permanently alter the landscape visible from nearby nature preserves. We have been working to ensure that city leaders and community members understand the significant environmental harm this project would cause. Already, nearly 500 San Jose residents have contacted the City to voice their opposition to this destructive...
Tell San Jose: Don’t Let Cemetery Harm Coyote Valley
The city of San Jose is currently accepting comments on the environmental analysis of the proposed Heritage Oaks cemetery in the hills above Coyote Valley. This sprawling project would cut off the top of the ridgeline, block wildlife movement, and impact scenic views from Coyote Valley’s nature preserves. Please use the form below to email the city of San Jose by March 4 and tell them not to allow this cemetery to harm Coyote Valley’s wildlife and scenic views! What’s Happening The Heritage Oaks Memorial Park is a proposal for a massive cemetery that would sprawl over 100+ acres of...
Great News: Victory at Juristac!
We are thrilled to announce a major victory: the proposed Sargent Ranch open-pit sand and gravel mine is no longer a threat to the Juristac landscape! Today, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced the purchase of this property for permanent conservation, putting an end to the Sargent Ranch Quarry proposal. This outcome would not have been possible without the thousands of people who emailed elected officials, signed the petition, attended rallies, and spoke out for Juristac. Thank you for helping make this historic win a reality! Why Juristac Is Important Juristac, located just south of Gilroy, is an extraordinary...