Update: We’re pleased to report that on August 28, the Planning Commission voted 4-3 to deny the appeal of this project. We’d like to thank Commissioners Cohen, Escobar, Hetterly and Levy for their vote to uphold the proper process and deny the appeal. On Thursday, August 28, the Santa Clara County Planning Commission will consider whether a development application for residential sprawl on open space outside San Jose has expired and should be denied. The development would destroy wildlife habitat and put residents in harm’s way, and the developer missed the deadline to complete the application. Please use the form...
Congratulations to the 2025 Leadership Program Graduates
Congratulations to the Green Foothills Leadership Program 2025 participants, who graduated on August 10. Each participant in this year’s class of 22 local changemakers used what they learned in the Leadership Program to design a capstone project focused on environmental justice and/or conservation. They worked individually or in small groups, and the projects were presented at graduation. This year’s capstone project topics included: A farmer’s market for North Fair Oaks Access to nature for youth in North Fair Oaks and East Palo Alto Connecting Chinese speakers to nature through birding Expanding access to outdoor recreation in Mountain View Sustainable last-mile...
Take Action to Keep Energy Facilities Out of Coyote Valley
On Tuesday, August 5, there will be a public meeting about the environmental impacts of a proposed new energy facility in south San Jose. The project could be built in one of two places: on an orchard in Coyote Valley, or at an existing PG&E substation. According to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC)’s environmental review, building at the existing substation would be much better for the environment. Please attend the meeting or email the CPUC and urge them to choose the substation location—not the orchard in Coyote Valley. What’s Happening A company called LS Power is planning a new...
Tell Brisbane City Council to Protect San Bruno Mountain
A massive industrial development has been proposed in the heart of San Bruno Mountain—a regional jewel known for its natural beauty. The area is home to a diverse collection of plants and wildlife, including three federally endangered butterflies. Please use the form below to email the Brisbane City Council and tell them San Bruno Mountain is the wrong place for industrial development! What’s Happening The Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project was originally planned as a giant Amazon-style warehouse and distribution center, but in recent weeks, the developers announced it would be changed to a data center and advanced manufacturing facility (with...
San Jose Drops Plan for Development in Coyote Valley
We’re excited to report that San Jose has dropped a potential plan that could have greatly increased the amount of development along Monterey Road in Coyote Valley. Development in this area could have severely harmed the entire Coyote Valley landscape, since Coyote Creek, which runs alongside Monterey Road, is the most important wildlife corridor through the valley. Kudos to the San Jose City Council for protecting Coyote Valley, and kudos to all of you who emailed the city council at our request to ask them to avoid development on Monterey Road. Speaking up really works! Coyote Valley’s Monterey Corridor: The...
Tell Lawmakers: Protect Endangered Species and Regulate Polluting Industries
On June 30, through a rushed last-minute process, the California Legislature approved one of the most devastating rollbacks ever of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – the state’s signature environmental law. Green Foothills is working with a coalition of over 130 nonprofit organizations to urge the Legislature to fix the worst issues with this legislation. If unaddressed, it will harm sensitive species and allow polluting industries to avoid environmental review. Please email your legislators using the form below, and ask them to fix this harmful legislation! What’s Happening: New Law Endangers Wildlife and Greenlights Polluters Last month, the State...
Great Potential for Farmland, Open Space In San Benito
Good things have been happening in San Benito County since voters here passed Measure A last fall. Developers have withdrawn many of their most harmful proposals, and the county is developing new policies that have the potential to help wildlife and protect farmland. However, the county is still considering some proposals for quarries and other development that would threaten open space, so we are continuing our advocacy work to ensure a healthy environment for people and wildlife. Weighing In on Local Decisions Green Foothills continues to monitor all decisions coming before the County Supervisors, Planning Commission, City Councils, and other...
Karen Madsen: Working to Reduce Plastic Pollution
Many people sign up for the Green Foothills Leadership Program to gain career skills, but it’s also a great way to forge a new path and develop new interests during retirement. Karen Madsen is a retired lawyer who volunteers for marine and land conservation causes. In 2022 she enrolled in the Leadership Program to learn advocacy skills to help advance a cause she’s passionate about: reducing single-use plastics. Karen loves the ocean and open spaces, and upon retiring she began volunteering extensively for state and county parks, and for nonprofits such as the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Marine...
Enter Our 2025 Photo Contest!
Grab your cameras, head outside with friends and family, and explore all the beauty our area has to...
