Update: We’re pleased to report that the Palo Alto City Council voted in favor of a 50-foot setback from the creek bank, as well as bird-safe design, lighting restrictions, and other protections for wildlife. Now the project will go back to the Planning and Transportation Commission for review before returning to the City Council for...
Category: News
Green Foothills Remembers: Betty Gerard
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our founding board members, Betty Gerard. Betty died peacefully at her home in Palo Alto on November 16, 2022, at age 97. Betty attended the initial meeting in 1962 that led to the founding of our organization. She and her then husband...
Thank You Margaret MacNiven! Good Luck in Your Next Adventure!
After 17 years of volunteer service, first on our board of directors and then on the advisory board, Margaret MacNiven is leaving to start an exciting new chapter in January 2023 as one of two new members of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors. Green Foothills board member Matthew Burrows says, “I’ve...
Biggest Step Yet to Close Lehigh Quarry
Last month we received the great news that Lehigh Quarry operators were shutting down the kiln at the Lehigh cement plant and stopping all further mining. However, other parts of Lehigh’s operations at the site could continue for up to 20 years. This makes it vitally important for Santa Clara County to take action to...
Important Step Forward To Protect the Stanford Foothills
For decades, more than 2,300 acres of hillside open space in the Stanford foothills have been protected from development through the Stanford Community Plan. On December 13, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors took an important step forward towards approving a 99-year extension of protections for the foothills. Please use the form below to...
Green Foothills Remembers: Barbara Green
The Green Foothills community was saddened to learn of the passing of Barbara L. Green, an ardent advocate for open space protection, who served on our board from 1985-91. Barbara was born to Colonel Cecil and Florence Land at Schofield Barracks, Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 8, 1938. The Land family moved regularly to many Army...
Ask Supervisors to Begin Closing Lehigh’s Cement Plant
Update: On December 13, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to ask the County Planning Commission to consider revoking the use permit for the Lehigh Quarry cement plant based on its legal violations and because the plant constitutes a public nuisance. On Tuesday, December 13, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will decide whether...
Tell County Supervisors to Protect the Stanford Foothills
Update: On December 13, the Supervisors voted unanimously to declare their support for the staff-recommended update to the Stanford Community Plan, including the 99-year extension. This clears the way for a final vote to approve the update after environmental review is complete in 2023. For decades, more than 2,300 acres of hillside open space in...
Update: San Jose Private Recreation and Open Space Vote
On December 6, the City Council approved the Alternative Recommendation rather than the staff recommendation, as we had urged – thus facilitating development on areas zoned Private Recreation and Open Space. However, thanks to the demand from almost 1,000 residents, the Council also voted to consider options for city-led community engagement for development on the...
Open Space at Risk in San Jose: Please Act Now
Update: For the result of this City Council vote, please see Update: San Jose Private Recreation and Open Space Vote. The San Jose City Council will be considering a proposal that would facilitate development on Private Recreation and Open Space zoned areas. The Planning Commission already rejected this proposal on November 16, thanks to the...