The Committee is Watching...

Committee for Green Foothills’ Legislative Advocates and volunteers juggle multiple projects to protect the environment in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In addition to those projects described in this issue's articles, the Committee is watching:

...Santa Clara County, San Jose and the Santa Clara County Water District as they move forward with the first County's first comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan, which will identify sensitive habitat and endangered or threatened species needing protection.

...Los Altos Hills, where environmentalists have drafted a CGF-endorsed initiative measure to assure the long-term preservation of Town-owned open space and recreational properties despite proposals by the Town Council to sell or develop some of these lands.

...federal legislation that will authorize the expansion of the Golden Gate Natural Recreation Area boundary, thereby enabling the coastside Corral de Tierra property to become part of the park once funds are secured.

...the Stevens Creek Quarry outside Cupertino, where we are working with neighbors to urge the County to regulate the Quarry's operations.

... Menlo Park, to ensure that the proposal to widen Sand Hill Road includes adequate environmental analysis and doesn't harm sensitive habitat along San Francisquito Creek.

...the Santa Clara County Water District and its new Environmental Advisory Committee (on which CGF's Denice Dade now serves).

...developers in Santa Clara County, who are contesting the County's work to create a new lot line ordinance (as required by the passage of SB 497), which will help ensure that the County meets its goals for managed growth.

...the creation of a new riparian corridor ordinance in Santa Clara County, ensuring that strong language is included to protect stream resources.

...the Santa Clara Valley League for Conservation Voters and the League for Coastside Protection, both working to get environmentally friendly representatives elected to public office.

...the Large Group Assembly Facilities Study in Santa Clara County, which examines effects of allowing urban-scale developments outside of city limits.

...Menlo Park's Kepler's Bookstore, which donated a portion of one day's sales to support the Committee.

...the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, which held five workshops throughout the County to solicit public opinion as part of their strategic planning process.

...our partners in environmental advocacy - Acterra; California Native Plant Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter; Greenbelt Alliance; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; Peninsula Open Space Trust; Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society; Sempervirens Fund; Sequoia Audubon; and Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter - each of whom CGF honored this year with special thanks for their work to protect open space.

...the hundreds of citizen activists who receive CGF's e-mail alerts and take action to support open space (want to join? E-mail action@GreenFoothills.org).

For more information on what the Committee is watching, call (650) 968-7243.