Rural areas across Santa Clara County are under threat from a flood of harmful “builder’s remedy” development proposals that would hurt people and wildlife. Almost all of these projects are located on prime farmland or hillside habitat, in floodplains or wildfire hazard areas, and lack water and sewer access. If approved, these projects would result...
Author: Alice Kaufman
Why Habitat Linkages Are Essential for Wildlife
This is an updated version of an article that was originally published on May 24, 2022. At Green Foothills, we focus some of our strongest advocacy efforts on the habitat linkages that are the key to protecting local wildlife. Only a few of these critical linkages are left in the Bay Area — and they’re...
Warehouse Threatens Endangered Butterflies on San Bruno Mountain
A giant Amazon-style warehouse and distribution center has been proposed on the site of Guadalupe Quarry on San Bruno Mountain, which is home to numerous threatened and endangered species, including endangered butterflies whose habitat would be paved over by the development. Green Foothills is partnering with local residents and environmental groups to oppose this destructive...
County Supervisors Rejected Artificial Turf Ordinance
Thanks to everyone who emailed the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors regarding the artificial turf ordinance. Unfortunately, the Supervisors voted 3-2 to reject the ordinance. Please use the form below this blog to email the two Supervisors who voted in favor (Otto Lee and Margaret Abe-Koga) to thank them! Artificial Turf Ordinance Rejected by...
Welcome Alexandra (Lexi) Mendoza
Green Foothills is delighted to introduce our new Environmental Associate, Alexandra (Lexi) Mendoza, whose work will focus on the San Mateo County coast. She will take part in advocacy efforts to maintain the rich biodiversity and robust ecosystems of that region, as part of our Coastal Resilience Program. Before joining Green Foothills, Lexi worked as...
Defending Wetlands in East Palo Alto
The Ravenswood Business District Specific Plan, a plan for massive office development adjacent to the Bay wetlands in East Palo Alto, was approved by the City Council in December. Although we were not able to significantly reduce the size of the development allowed by the plan, Green Foothills and our partners succeeded in incorporating...
Please Tell County to Approve Artificial Turf Ordinance
On Tuesday, January 28, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will vote on an ordinance that would prevent the County from installing new artificial turf on County-owned property. Artificial turf (plastic grass) causes microplastic pollution and exposure to PFAS “forever chemicals,” as well as causing more player injuries than natural grass. Please use the...
Palo Alto Approves Resolution in Support of Juristac
Earlier this month, Palo Alto became the seventh city in our region to pass a resolution opposing the Sargent Ranch Quarry and calling for the permanent protection of Juristac, a critical wildlife linkage and sacred Indigenous landscape. We are urging Santa Clara County to heed the growing movement to defend Juristac and deny the permit...
Ask Palo Alto City Council to Support Protecting Juristac
Update: The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously in favor of the resolution to protect Juristac. Thank you to everyone who sent emails or attended the City Council meeting. On Monday, December 2, the Palo Alto City Council will consider a resolution in support of protecting Juristac and opposing the Sargent Ranch mining operation. Please...
Development Continues to Threaten Coyote Valley – Please Sign Petition
Despite our 2021 victory in gaining protections for Coyote Valley, parts of this critical landscape continue to be threatened with development. Green Foothills is working to protect the valley from a proposed cemetery and crematorium, an energy facility, and the potential for increased development along the Coyote Creek/Monterey Road corridor. We have launched a petition...







