FALL 2009 greenfootnotes COMMITTEE FOR GREEN FOOTHILLS www.GreenFoothills.org

Remembering Joan Bruce A life dedicated to teaching “A teacher enlarges people in all sorts of ways besides just his subject ma er.”  Wallace Stegner

By Cynthia D’Agosta decades. Stegner, of course, started preservation and land stewardship; Our research of Miss Bruce led ike Stegner, local teacher Miss the Creative Writing program at Joan hiked the land — covering us to Mrs. Kay Phillips, a life-long LJoan Bruce was a model of this Stanford in 1958; Joan dedicated miles of trails on the Peninsula, in friend who shared her stories of expression, inspiring and sharing life her life to teaching in Palo Alto the Sierras, and throughout the growing up with Joan and then to experiences with her students for schools from 1951 to 1993 (Ross world, always bringing back class- CGF member Chrisi Fleming of Road, Walter Hays, and Escondido). room lessons on the environment. Portola Valley. Chrisi met Joan as a Stegner wrote and taught about Whether they knew one young classroom assistant, traveled the importance of another or not, it is apparent that internationally with her, and then they were kindred spirits when it when raising a family with Jack came to teaching and to protecting Fleming, Joan became a member of their local land. In 1962 Stegner their extended family. established Committee for Green Jack once served on the Board of Foothills to fight for preservation CGF; he and Joan shared a passion of the land, and some forty-six for the work we do. It was through years later, Miss Bruce gener- this connection that Miss Bruce ously left a bequest to CGF found it in her heart to leave a legacy to carry on the fight. for CGF to continue the fi ght to Two teachers, continu- preserve open space. She could ing to inspire through not have known just how much her their legacy for generosity would mean to us, given open space. the recent challenging economic times. But there is no doubt that she knew it was a smart investment for the environment. It is with deepest appreciation that we thank Miss Bruce for her generous gift to CGF and to the local environment. To carry on her legacy, we plan to recognize Miss Bruce with a bench dedi- cation at Arastredero Park in Spring of 2010. CGF 2 | Green Footnotes Fall 2009 Bill Murray LAYOUT Mahlon Hubenthal EDITOR friends andsupporters. Committee forGreenFoothills for three timesayearby the Green Footnotes April Vargas Dave Pine Alex Kennett Gail Kaiser Thomas S.Jordan, Jr. Jim Foran Sandy Emerson Davey Mary Helen Chapman Margalynne Armstrong Bill WhitmerTreasurer President Margaret MacNivenVice President Matthew Burrows BOARD OFDIRECTORS Wendee CrofootOfficeManager SantaClaraCounty Brian Schmidt Lennie Roberts Cynthia D’Agosta STAFF Fax: 650-968-8431 Phone: 650-968-7243 www.GreenFoothills.org [email protected] Palo Alto, CA94303 3921 EastBayshore Road Committee forGreenFoothills education andgrassrootsaction. Mateo countiesthroughadvocacy, resources ofSantaClaraandSan space, farmlands, andnatural mission istoprotecttheopen Committee forGreenFoothills Counties. Santa Clara and San Mateo protect the environment throughout and maintain land use policies that organization working to establish is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofi t Committee forGreenFoothills GREEN GOOTHILLS COMMITTEE FOR Legislative Advocate, San MateoCounty Legislative Advocate, Executive Director is published

Director Executive Fromthe times. Francisco Bay. Th ey by are nourished are anchored ofourNational inthefounding and System and saving San and leaders at Nature’s Inspiration 2010—stay tuned! Mary Davey Mary I viduals that madeviduals year’s this event such alovely to tribute leader, agracious and giving have saluted members successfully ofCGF. legacy We want to thank themany indi- members, who leftmembers, who As we planned forwaysbequestCGF a in2008. to show our ap- skey son wilderness adventure. adventure. dialog wilderness place, of son character landscape nature, around to local landscape, stop efforts sprawlwith insouth county, and afather and associations cultural playgrounds. ferent and parks creating to ofopenspace ourlegacy explore articles Other —sharedcommitment land values,dif- twenty-year a in resulted play the land and theplace she loved. thatlegacy inspires like to people Miss ourcontinuing Bruce support work to preserve Plans, Coastal Plans, and County General Plans. Th rough ourdiligence, we have a built –as ourwork does providing essential planning oversight forHabitat Conservation term commitments such as protecting Slide, Coyote Devils Valley and Stanford Hills years to protect thelandscape we love. We are such moved as by individuals Many programs television have aired recently that chronicle CGF’s legacy. Ourroots As CGFAs Vice President CGF’s improves time. legacy work Ouradvocacy onprojects with requires long and many other members ofourlarger CGF have who family worked over the ‘thank you’ to those who volunteer and manage to contributelarger mission in uncertain of saving economic open space. It is humbling, andcompassionate, we hope inspiring, dedicated to be saying people who, over the years, issuen this ofGreen Footnotes,have Iam pleased to introduce ofstories aseries inspired by supported CGF and our saying ‘thank you’ to those who volunteer and manage It isboth humbling,and to be we hope inspiring, . We to hope continue thetheme ofhonoringourenvironmental legacy Cynthia D'AgostaCynthia to contribute in uncertain economic times. Margaret MacNiven

CGF important workimportant today. ronmental advocacy, continue and those this who tothanks ofenvi- themany ourlegacy built who preciation to her, we were motivated to extend our deeds. CGF Director remarkablethe equally results oftheirgood young mother to find a place for her children to to children her for place a find to mother young number of Santa Clara County Parks. Director Director Parks. County Clara Santa of number have who families donated land to establish a Helen Chapman

The stories cover remarkable and individuals Wallace Stegner, Miss JoanBruce writes, with Nature’s with writes, Inspiration we talks about how her efforts as a as efforts her how about talks Congressman , known to, known onlya fewofour Jim Foran writes about writes Pete McClo- Green Footnotes Fall 2009 | 3 CGF Th e Committ ee for e Committ Th worked Foothills Green SOS with together Greenbelt and Gilroy the ght fi to Alliance would which proposals, without city the bloat need. pressing any Widespread opposition developed in response to the proposal. In In proposal. the to response in developed opposition Widespread dropped projects Two will we in Gilroy, the situation will monitor to continue We addition to environmental groups, the County Planning Offi ce, Water Water ce, Offi Planning County the groups, environmental ed to addition submitt all Commission Formation Agency Local and District, the opposed School District Gilroy e Board Th comments. negative their of because projects schools. on impacts scal fi analy- scal the fi Interestingly, usual the follow not did sis supporting blandly of ern patt and projects, proposed the a sig- it showed instead Th e to the city. cost cant nifi Applied consultant, scal fi Economics, Development consultant usual the not was elsewhere. seen we’ve 19 the October out before CityCouncil e Th vote. the reject 4-3 to voted then documen- environmental as for the projects tation killing the inadequate, — for now, proposals Tucker, Cat members Council and Al Pinheiro Mayor anyway. for deserve congratulations Woodward Perry and Arrellano, Peter their decision. will we and issues, change continue on climate work to continue successfully oppose work with partners to to regional and local Valley. in the South open space protect and sprawl

For those who care deeply about our local environment, estate planning off ers a unique opportunity acknowledge a to off planning estate environment, our local deeply about whothose care For that s ensure will Your gift you. Foothills ofgenerosity people by the possible made like Green is ee for Committ work of e Th off short and pressures development stave to to continue yours s like Foothilsused gift has ee for Green 1962, Committ Since the opportunity to appreciate would We planning, will you hope that we know. estate let us in your included CGF have you If [email protected]. (650) 968-7243 x360 or at D’Agosta Cynthia Contact

thoughtful life by helping future generations. Establishing a bequest can ensure your legacy and that of Committ ee for Green ee for Green of Committ legacy that your and ensure can a bequest Establishing thoughtful future life helping generations. by Foothills. you. is important to that the open space protect willwe to continue to be able for future generations. be enjoyed can resources natural and farmlands open space, our that so planning sighted Legacy Foothills Society. the Green into you welcome to and our gratitude, express Legacy Society provides lasting support Society provides Legacy

The Committee for Green Foothills worked together with Th is partnership strategy resulted in a serieswonderful in a of resulted partnership strategy is vic- Th Committ ee for Green Foothills has worked with local partners local with worked has Foothills Green for ee Committ Over a year ago, we wrote the following: wrote we ago, Over a year Environmental Opposition Gained Broad Support Opposition Environmental SOS Gilroy and Greenbelt Alliance to fight the proposals, which would bloat the city without any pressing need. lies within for development Plenty cur- available land of residential rent boundaries, and the proposals for expansion beyond the periphery of the city contradicted well-understood smartgrowth principles. The environmental analysis clearly be to failed has a crucial that issue impacts, change climate consider to with everydealt at of government. level tories for the environment, culminating in the October 19 Gilroy 19 Gilroy in the October culminating for the environment, tories City meeting, Council the last the City where rejected Council expand the City to of the four original proposals two remaining and uses low-density residential for mostly 800 acres outward by golf another course. yet to protect open space where it is most at risk. Th e Committ ee and ee e Committ risk. at Th it is most where space open protect to very together working are Gilroy) (SOS Gilroy Space Open Save space open natural and farmland working preserve to ectively eff this continue to expect County….We Clara Santa southern in to hope we and Gilroy, SOS like groups strong with relationship in elsewhere groups new encompass to relationships our expand with (“Working Local Partners County. Clara Santa southern Footnotes, Green Gilroy,” Open— the Example Space of Save 2009) Summer By Brian Schmidt by Local and Regional Partnerships Regional and Local by Gilroy Sprawl Proposals Defeated Defeated Proposals Sprawl Gilroy | SANTA CLARA COUNTY | CLARA | SANTA 4 | Green Footnotes Fall 2009 All culturesAll show a on it asaplace to nature and rely desire to be in seek wisdom. Green Foothills Committee for Nature, and the Sita, Ramayana, I By BrianSchmidt to stop Jatayu long wounded, theabduction and mortally survives Ravana to prevent Sita’s kidnapping from their forest home. Jatayu,Ramayana demi-god by fights thevulture who thedemon not looked onthat inEuropean fondly culture, are represented in Sita from demons. Even commonlysighted vultures, here but armyking andRama his fight alongsideto kidnapped the retrieve Bay Area nature includeapositive attitude to animals -amonkey here intheBay Ramayana Area. between connections and Other many strong women that foundedtheenvironmental non-profits foundational figure of Indian literature in nature living with the ship, that exceeds ofany other figure. her sons. to Her innature,with be willingness even duringhard- neededtoone’sachieve perform thewisdom duties. Much ofthat to outlinerelationships and how to and dutiesinacommunity farbeyond goes asimpleplot, sion as The aking himself. story abduction by followed thedemonby king Ravana, Rama’s ascen- and awar hefoughtPrince to Rama Sita recover from wife his India, theRamayana. sources dates back to oneofthemost epicstories important from come from many sources. Oneoftheearliest and best-known cultures, thebackgroundAsian ofmany here intheBay Area, will The tostrength seek wisdom. ofthat interest in Indian and South as others using boots. hiking sometimes wearing and sandals saris paths enjoyingthesame dirt ley, older Indian women with can acommonsight, be families andn theparks along ofthePeninsula thetrails and South Val- There almost seems this strongbetween be aconnection to two thousandThe over concerns myth, years primarily old, cultures showAll adesire to innature be and rely onitas aplace

in exile, first with her husband first and then in exile, spent Sita, is periods who both episodes adultthey become heirsofRama. and onlyreturning when to civilization under thetutelage ofthesage Valmiki, Kusha are and grow born upinvanvas counter. In Rama’s turn, sons Lava and learn from thespiritualhermits theyen - where theylose theirroyal softness and “vanvas” inaforest, (hermitage/exile) brothershis spend fourteen years in spent innature. comesfrom theextensive time wisdom The one person connecting these twoperson The one connecting these and oneof himself Prince Rama Failing backgrounds. ofcultural and from legends adiversity ofmyths the wisdom as forourlocal naturalthis, does families openspaces verify helps ronmental commitment. Theamongenjoyment obvious Indian Devi. in aplowed a daughter field, ofthe Goddess Mother BhumaEarth as much as nature. According to she was themyth, foundas ababy vulture insteadthe big birdis a theysee flying ofa hawk. culturalfrom background this might disappointed notbe to learn enough to thedirection to tell Rama search Someone wife. forhis The BayArea’s help strengthen itswill envi- ethnicdiversity Sita even tiesinto theenvironmental agriculture with concern CGF Green Footnotes Fall 2009 | 5 CGF Th e experience was unforgett able. Each night we camped we night Each able. e experience unforgett was Th grassy broad, the across walked we As out. stands memory One and with those the foresight to of gratitude a debt owe We Mahlon Hubenthal is a long time volunteer editor of editor volunteer time is a long Hubenthal Mahlon ing long commutes from their base camps, moving boulders camps, their base from commutes long ing several saw the trail bed. We maintain to granite busting and up coughing help a hiker to on the trail — one racing rangers altitude sickness. blood, class-2 due to the moon rise over watched or rushing stream, a lake near of the sound to listened of stars, showers peaks, saw granite only a hiking few permit imposes costs and It wind water. and trash, out your pack canister, food in a bear your rules: store backpacking in a than (other 10,000 feet above res no fi start arms.re carry and no fi water from 100 feet away camp stove), camped, we where hun- of tarn a small toward Plateau Bighorn Congress a and stepped we as jumped grasshoppers of dreds diving a evaded the In and our heads. the wind above rode and currents Ravens cawed sharply veered low, ying fl Merlin, a sunset at distance, redden peaks high the watched We Falcon. over Peregrine rolled clouds storm as Whitney Mt. over rise moon the and on the adven- world, the Ridge. Together Kaweah and the Kern River trench of center the seemed what in camped lifetime, a Life of ture climb. to Whitney Mt. and trail the on days more two had we this. er than bett get much doesn’t preserve the wilderness, to who those funded,determination built and it,planned the trail, who the crews the rang- maintain Muir John e it. Th it, who the hikers who and ers travel protect pass to and enjoy all — a legacy of us to for us to belongs Trail it. on, unspoiled, received we as articles for Green Footnotes and supporter of CGF. of CGF. supporter and Footnotes Green for articles

lthough I hadn’t gone backpacking for years, how could how for years, gone backpacking I hadn’t lthough the John hike me to asked John, son, no when my I say We started hiking aft er lunch at Tuolumne Meadows on Meadows Tuolumne at er lunch hiking aft started We forded passes, mountain down climbed up and steep We of all hikers ages, women and met men we During our hike and train pack occasional an encounter to a pleasure was It Muir Trail? Trail? Muir civilization Whitney at reentered 17th and August Portal, We e trail was fullsurprises. of Th later. 200 miles 17 days and White and Fir Red Fir, of Aspen, Juniper, groves through hiked Limber pines. and Foxtail Lodgepole, Ponderosa, soggy through creeks, walked full meadows of spectacular Columbine of Alpine cluster one memorable saw owers, wildfl Fly wall, seen a rock with wet a rarely and against rain, growing — does, and of deer fawns lots saw We mushroom. Amanita bucks Pikas with and –small chinchil- horns, Marmots velvet ies, dragonfl ies, erfl butt — bats, with ears animals la-like large encountered we Fortunately, lizards. and snakes, garter frogs, usually John the evenings, In no bears. and few mosquitoes trout. rainbow released wildand and golden caught shed for, fi of friends groups and — pairs, hikers, sizes — solo and shapes hiking the 1,000 mile, age segment California one fellow my Trail, well a couple seventies up in their Crest c of the Pacifi ousand school girls Th of high a group at Pass, Glen climbing a parish- and met two Stockton from priests We Lake. Island early Mass at joined them and in our direction, traveling ioner Pass. Forester climbing before morning Sunday packing women, and men — young trail crews alongside hike lunches — mak- and shovels prytools, hammers, sledge bars, by Mahlon Hubenthal by A

Hiking the John Muir Trail Muir Hiking the John Favorite Places Favorite 6 | Green Footnotes Fall 2009 and wise comments… a compassionate research great representation of diversified interests… productive morning” outstanding with a San Benito Conservation Alliance San BenitoConservation “The event was T By CynthiaD’Agosta Why, Where &How they shouldbepreserved” “The SouthCounty’s UniqueLandscapes — CGF HostedCommunityDialog: came from a slide showed Robin illustrated which how landscape the to changes waterways over time. Perhaps regional imageand themost vivid region the throughout tion nadero Creeks. We learned ofhistorical oak- tree distribu to Pacheco Pass, Soap Lake regions, Llagas and Uvas-Car Coyote from systems inthese areas. and restoring forpreserving ecological opportunities to identify South San Jose to thePajaro and Soap River Lake area second, and, oftheentire South County region from theecology describe There twowere objectives in Robinasking first,to speak: prepared fortheSanta Clara Valley Water (SCVWD).* District Institute (SEFI) to combineinto onepresentation, he reports two of theHistorical Program Ecology oftheSan Francisco Estuary November 7th,Iasked Grossinger, Robin Scientist and Director The SouthCountyEcologicalRegion tofuture ourplanning inform efforts. a promising newtool thepast thepresent forbridging with and elusive. Recently, Historical as I’ve familiarwith become Ecology however,Upon leaving, heencouraged us: “…to establish areal by thechanges taking place inthelocal landscape ofthe1970-80’s. left the Peninsulagreat and this statebecause hewas disheartened Stegner. He was passionate aboutso much this, so that said itis he to ofCGFturn thewritings founder and nature writer, Wallace Robin delivered a colorful description of the watershed watershed the of description colorful a delivered Robin For aCGF-hosted South County Community Dialog heldon restore thecharacter ofourregional landscape, oneshould o understand themany reasons why we strive to and preserve — JeannetteLangstaff,

Valley to Pajaro River basin River Pajaro to Valley

The whereThe and how canbe more somewhat easier to understand. why, The should preserved. be is where, and how thelandscape to understandindividuals why, local interestwith groups and South County, CGF working is in ofourefforts part As future. planningby its forits past, while of thelocal landscape, shaped totunity holdonto thecharacter place oppor where there still is Ecology The Field of Historical it all. and the past” so as notto lose thepresent between continuity South Santa Clara a County is

with reference reference with - - important South County work. Southimportant County work. Packard Foundation available formaking to funds this support Hutchinson ofMorgan forhosting Hill and theevent; to the Restaurant in GilroyLIZARRAN event; for a successful to Julie event.of this Ourmany and Joe to thanks Dalton Gary ofthe ronmental dialogs from alist oftopic ideas generated by guests Continuing theDialog questions from theaudience. species. Following remarks, introductory thepanel addressed the last remaining eleven stands, statewide, native important ofthis historic landscape patterns noting that the South hasValley fourof sharedRobin ofre-introducing theimportance using oaks valley audience members to goonlineand learn about theprocess. And theCounty’swithin Habitat Plan, Conservation encouraging advocates. David addressed theprocess forpublicinvolvement technicians, corridor masterwildlife birders, and environmental other things, theprogram offers education for and certification sustaining values,and how to restore its natural habitat. Among throughhiking thehistorical watersheds ofourvalley, learning its differentperspective onhow to “read” the landscape. Students are as anewand introducingis ofLandscape Ecology thediscipline how De Anza’sdescribed Environmental Studies Department members are active stewards of theirlands and heritage. Julie n n and http://www.sfei.org/HEP/reports/coyotecreek1.htm http://www.sfei.org/HEP/reports/southsantaclaravalley.html n n n environmental issues Panel ofconcern. members included: Community Forum Panel Discussion regionaldifferent systems theSouth Valley. thru directions and these –connecting very important in two end southern the to Bay, at Soap Lake (near Hwy. over 152).Thus time,Francisco meandering, San in end northern the Range, Mountain Diablo from timetowould, the time, move itsofdeposition from focus from came it as Creek, Coyote  CGF Brian Schmidt, Legislative Advocate as moderator Robin Grossinger, Robin Director, SFEI Historical Program Ecology   Program, and Amah Mutsun Tribal Band member Chuck Research Striplen, Associate, SFEI Historical Ecology Kirsch Environmental Center, College De Anza MorganJulie Phillips, Family Chair ofEnvironmental Studies, Representative to theCounty Habitat Plan Conservation David Collier, Sierra Club Stakeholder CGF looks forward toCGF hosting forward more looks South County ‘envi- Chuck spoke passionately onhow theAhmad Mutsun Tribe *Reports are available*Reports on SFEI’s website. Following the talk, apanel spokeFollowing about briefly thetalk, South County CGF Green Footnotes Fall 2009 | 7 - Helen Chapman is CGF’s newest Board Board newest is CGF’s Chapman Helen ing a park in her neighborhood and is and neighborhood her in a park ing neighborhood of her President currently association. member and served for six years as a six years served for and member City the of San for Commissioner Parks - City of Our For member board and Jose advocate a vocal be to continues est. She her in parks accessible and space open for Helen Bay, East the in up Growing area. and space open for appreciation an has time her dedicates activity and outdoor the will have next generation the so that an received Helen opportunities. same Valley of Silicon Women Outstanding establish on work her 1996 for in Award We need to make land land make to need We and a priority preservation existing in parklands increase suburban and urban future and neighborhoods. - CGF A poem by James W. Foley sums up my up my sums Foley W. James A poem by How can this be accomplished? We this becan accomplished? We How philosophy on being involved and having having and involved on being philosophy heard. voice your a splash, just water: the in a pebble Drop it is gone; and ripples circling half-a-hundred there’s But on, and on and on center, the from Spreading, spreading sea. the to out on flowing the where of telling way is no there And be. to is going end first that where know never just You you. will take meeting need strong voices on local committees, committees, on local voices need strong of decision makers city educate wide, to on park the importance proactive of being will that strategies policy creating and will It in place. visionsimplement already San effort, time and of take but generations will residents benefit. Jose plan highlights the need for neighborhood highlights plan preservation land make need to parks. We in existinga priority parklands increase and neighbor suburban and futureand urban hoods. Well planned parks benefit us all. us benefit parks planned Well

- -

ho would have thought joining up joining thought have ho would - neigh with of moms in my a group

The four-year effort to build effort the first The four-year service Parks During my Jose on the San purchases of this victory, in light Even borhood to find a space for a playground for a playground space find a borhood to twenty turn would into for our children space open and of activism on park years the simple policy? me that still amazes It for my open space wish more of having in the outdoors play and enjoy to children accomplish. to a challenge been such has decision makers that granted it for I took fill rise and to the passion my share would invit and accessible more need for creating ing playgrounds and parks. and playgrounds ing me in our neighborhood taught park small in early I learned diligence persistence. and did not decision makers that the process of sustainable element a key parks see as obtain and be effective city To planning. a different pursue goal, needed to I my direction. that I learned Commission Recreation and policy San on park of inaction caused years were that goals on established rely to Jose One upgrade. in need of an and inadequate very I am influencing action of was proud develop park its calculated Jose San how only col- Jose San years fees. For ment land on 70 % of the raw fees based lected We out of date. years three was values that the upgrade the Cityconvinced to Council land year 100% of current to calculation values. be deferred. One to continue of parklands among is that facts alarming of the most Jose cities, San western largest the eight city owned total parkland the lowest has for goal Jose’s San residents. per thousand non-school neighborhood parks is also cities. This simply eight of these the lowest general and strategic Every change. to has

W at a Time By Helen Chapman One One Pebble Building —Building Legacy Legacy 8 | Green Footnotes Fall 2009 O By MargaretMacNiven, President CGFVice DaveyHonoring Mary Nature’s Inspirations we once again celebrate theCGF at legacy our7thannual Nature’s Inspirations. CGF’s ongoing work and advocacy. We to seeing forward look you year again next when to the guests who joined us in celebrating Mary, thank you for your continued support of and catch environmentalists. fellow upwith bid onsomeauction ofthesilent items so generously donated by CGF supporters, hors d’oeuvres, by Just furnished Us as linedupto Catering, guests congratulate Mary, us ners flowed, allowing to a raise toast to Mary. of wonderful We enjoyed avariety collage from her daughter KitDavey. and artist, receivedin thehouse interactive as Mary an extraordinary ahandmade gift, nature Kniss’s office, Dean Warshawsky, andthe CGF Board and Staff. There a dry eye wasn’t Hanko, Julie Breene Klein, Ira Lancelle, Kerr, Ruskin,from Scott Larry Liz Strickland thathonored Mary afternoon - Craig Britton, Peter Drekmeier, RichGordon, Nonette Davey.” Mary you, criteria, itis We couldn’t agree more. voice, inhis McCloskey of friendship lifetime “If said, there any is woman fits that who her Joe behalf. has Simitian never “Mary just said, up, shown she has she beenthefirst, years. fortheelderly, rights, services and housing intheBay civil but also Area forover 50 celebrate Mary, has life beendedicated whose to improving notonlytheenvironment, at theLos Altos History Museum. We to have are to privileged had theopportunity founding members ofCGF, at our6thannual Nature’s Inspirations event year heldthis To made and thepartners vendors event who all this —Thank so successful And You! Throughout the gathering an abundancegreat offromwines generousvint local speakersOther from environmental groups as as those well inpolitical office Mary’s commitment and enthusiasm are contagious, as we saw inthose speaking on Honorary Hosts, Sponsors and special to Davey, guests honorMary oneofthe n September 20th,CGF was proud to welcome an enthusiastic crowd of to have lived.” With a ofbeing not at theperil and action time, ofhis should share thepassion required ofaman that he action and passion, itis dressing Mary. “As is life Holmes, Jr. ad - when quoted Oliver Wendell wouldn’t doherself.” anything ofus that she never asks up and who sleeves rolledher shirt leads from thefront with tions. She aleader is that - andinstruc corner give leading to just sitinthe that it’s nother idea of worked her know with those have ofyou who she has and when led, has beenthePresident has beentheleader, she Pete McCloskey CGF - Mary, Melissa Hippard and Ira Ruskin Pete McCloskey Lawler,Roger and Lennie Jody Roberts Lawler Howard Wilshire, Jane Nielson, Claire Feder and Ernie Goiten Cynthia D’Agosta and Mary Green Footnotes Fall 2009 | 9 be be

will

single-use plastic plastic single-use

bags, voluntarily, at its three Palo Alto stores and for for and stores Alto Palo three its at voluntarily, bags, this hope we — bags reuseable promoting — Planning Commission San Mateo County the for EIR Draft page 2200 whopping a considering at wetlands former on project Wave Big controversial Marsh the Pillar Point District Board — con- Water Santa Clara Valley received recommendations environmental sidering for Committee Advisory Environmental its from and streams in protections environmental increasing watersheds Planning Staff — for the first time, San Jose’s Force Task the to options presenting and considering - instead of develop the City, or City Council for having environmental prepare who consultants the hire ers, - riparian develop documentation related to streamside ment now is The Californiawhich Supreme Court — considering a technical issue in the Committee’s County Clara Santa and Stanford stop to litigation Stanford the under responsibilities their evading from - and also to stop proposed envi General Use Permit, Creek ronmental damage to San Francisquito San Mateo County Board of Supervisorsfor — onto shoehorned Villa Mediterranean large a denying Park landslide-prone site in Palomar a steep, discontinuing for — Walgreens repeated elsewhere San Mateo County Board of Supervisorsfor — the on Zoning Space Open Community upholding historic “Burnham Strip” in El Granada is watching ... is watching Committee The — where CGF objected to the City — where CGF objected Half Moon Bay and “man- decision to prohibit public access Council’s Beach- embattled the on vegetation and drainage age” unless the city obtains proper permits wood property, of sensitive habitats that will ensure protection positive both have can which — High Speed Rail Clara Santa in impacts environmental negative and and San Mateo Counties in Jose San following considering is — Milpitas paper non-recycled and bags plastic takeout banning creeks city’s steps that could help protect the bags, Bay and San Francisco city the expand to whether deciding Morgan Hill — to whether and reasons “recreational” for outward protec- a strong commercial and agricultural have the loss oftion program or one that only facilitates farmland — Alto staff and Planning Commission Palo limits for size the City Council to develop by tasked Alto Foothills houses in the Palo City — recently hired a consultant toRedwood DMB/Cargill the for materials application evaluate mini-city proposed for a 1,400 acre pond — for California Departmentfor of Fish— and Game objecting to a Timber Harvest Plan on a 35-acre prop- that Preserve Space Open Creek Purisima near erty trees redwood Growth Old 14 of cutting allow would habitat wildlife important provide that San Jose City Council — for taking the first steps and plastic bags the strongest ban of take-out toward non-recycled paper bags in the country Speaker Karen Bass — for appointing Santa Cruz Supervisor Mark Stone to the California Com- Coastal Monterey incumbent, 12-year a replace to mission, not did record voting whose Potter, Dave Supervisor Coast Central the of values environmental the reflect District The Committee applauds ... The Committee 10 | Green Footnotes Fall 2009 extensive zoning that revisions regulate development in thefoot- Zoning ordinances inPalo Council reviewed Alto theCity inSouth especially Santaland, Clara County continuing Lands Agricultural thefi ght to save agricultural Santa Clara County denied thepermit) Supervisors groups to for a single opposeresidence apermit family (Board of in ElGranada CGF neighbors and community joinedwith “Burnham Strip”, Area Zoned as Community Open Space Coastal development regulations havetives, who acquired theproperty, to onCounty and advise Pescadero Capital Zynik metwith Corporation representa- Former Campbell’s Mushroom in Soupproperty tent thezoning) with to at be least 5,000 square feetforresidential consis- development, longer separate “legal” parcels (Decision, ineff requires ect, parcels landmark declaring theyare ruling the Board no ofSupervisors Montara CGF and residents concerned strongly supported Substandard Held Lots inCommon in Ownership conditions and remain inopenspace orinagricultural use thecontract complywith break fully under Act theWilliamson Committ Advisory Ag with ee to ensure thatgranted lands a tax Williamson Act Audit inSan Mateo County working San MateoCountyCoastside operations, aft er originally ling acomplaint) fi andbors theHorse Park to eliminate environmental damage from environmental protection (thanks to CGF neigh- forworking with Horse Park inWoodside granted 10year Use Permit with (Zoning Hearing Offi cer denied the subdivision) huge houses two oncreekbuild inStanford banks Weekend Acres San Francisquito Creek Protection opposed aproposal to directed that thehouse redesigned be and relocated) and Grading denied theDesign Review Permits andSupervisors Mediterranean Villa inPalomar onasteep hillside Park (Board of Palomar Park House joinedneighbors inopposing a estate into 25home-sites neighbors toworking historic with prevent ofthis subdivision DeGuigne Development Proposal inHillsborough age community-based aviable, open-space vision citizens,electeding offi with andcials regional agencies, to encour- UseLand Plan inEast Palo Alto and Menlo Park work- San MateoCountyBayside yourWith help, CGFaccomplishedmuch, but 2009 was abusyyear ... allows usto continue adding to this list ofGreenFeats! Th ank you! saw Coyote Valley development taken off the table, and we began work to create an open-space vision in East Palo Alto. Your support farmlands, natural resources and open space ofSanta Clara and San Mateo counties. Recently, years ofwork came to fr uition as we In 2009,Th e Committ ee for Green Foothills continued its work to advocate, educate anduse grassroots action to protect the Peninsula planningHigh through Speed South County, Rail San Jose and the toring highway plans leading into Santa Clara from San Benito and and CALTHigh Speed Rail NShighway plans moni- environmental and concern opposition outside Santa Clara County, intense following was withdrawn San Benito County massive 6,000residence proposal, just Development Proposal Withdrawn for Pajaro River in issue) onthis “InAction Alert” continue its work (Th ank you our CGF members forfollowing parcel assessments ensured that Space will theOpen Authority Open Space alow return rate Authority forrequest ofpast forCommissionapplying seats. have new, members more community environmentally friendly CommissionsLocal other organizations working with to Above andBeyond forcompact allowable limits developmentexists within would extend Gilroy past its current boundaries when Sprawlplenty inGilroy stopped housing development proposals that of land developed) Santa Teresa and Calero County Parks, onceCoyote Valley was developer planned to mansions build ontheranch, that connects sulted inits purchase and addition to theCounty Park System. (A eliminated economicincentives and re- fortheranch property work stopped development inCoyote Valley and Almaden Valley, San Vicente966-acre Rancho inSan Jose CGF prior related to protection riparian ing developer control environmental ofpreliminary documents time, agreedTask with Force recommendation to consider remov- ProtectionRiparian inSan Jose staff City ,forthe rst fi and other groups forourwork ontheissue) leadersthanked Chu, two Kansen onthe issue CGF along with from content 40%recycled (Councilmember Liccardo, oneofthe intheUS,city banning plastic and requiring paper bags to made be fi rst defi nitive step forthe strongest take-out bag ban for any major Take-out Bag Ban In San Jose Council took theCity the latest aspects ofmonster mansions) sidering theissues ofgiant basement developments that are the planners house sizelimits, toand started develop con- maximum for inappropriate second residences onthese parcels, directed further. By votes, decisive Council rejected theCity theproposal ments over an outdated ordinance, Brian encouraged them to go committadvisory staffcity while ee and improve-made certain Schmidt was theonlyenvironmental group representative onthe from Page tohills Skyline Rd. Drive. (CGF Mill Advocate Brian

Green Footnotes Fall 2009 | 11

Celebration 8 page see Mary Davey Honoring Inspiration: Nature’s Plans for 2010 Seaport along Development Baylands Opposition to with work to continues City CGF in Redwood Boulevard this oppose Mini- community and to groups environmental other ad- 30,000 people on former baylands, of up to City development of former wetlands 1400 acres to be restored the site that vocating Com- and Housing Wave” Review “Big of the CEQA on located this development to opposition Project mercial due to momentum, is gathering Marsh both sides of Pillar Point destruction the guise under of wetlands of agriculture Ride and Alpine with discussions at Road County Park this facilitymake realityto a how on Authority staff Transportation County Mateo in San Force Task Element Housing force is of this a member task new CGF Activities When for not working Organizational they are organiza- many in involved are Staff and our Boardmembers CGF of activities: list A partial tions in both counties. Open County Space Clara of the Santa of Directors Board Bay e of Th Lands • Board Park Authority of Midcoast • Board County Clara of the Santa • Board Council Ridge Trail Area Parcel Education •Burlingame of Conservation League Voters • Computer member Board School • Burlingame Campaign Tax Management/Environmental • Congestion Avenidas at Teacher Memorial Burrows Quality • Conservation • Frank Council Villa • Hidden Force Task Boulevard • Grand Fund Scholarship Clara Santa ee of the Committ Monitoring • Independent Board • Los Network Venture: District • Joint Water Valley Councilmem- Community • MidCoast Aide program Tax Altos Hill District • Morgan Regional Open Space ber • Midpeninsula • Our City Forest Trees View • Mountain of Commerce Chamber Advisory Creek • Pilarcitos Conservation Foundation • Peninsula ned Animal Confi County Mateo • San Trail Bay Francisco • San Housing County Mateo San ee • Advisory Committ Technical County Mateo • San Element for the 2009 County Force Task Task Building Green County Mateo Alliance • San Systems Food Mateo Association • San Board School County Mateo • San Force ee Authority Advisory Citizens Committ Transportation County ee Committ Recreation and Parks Midcoast County’s Mateo • San Williamson ee for the Committ Stakeholder County Clara • Santa Advisory Environmental District’s Water Valley Clara Act • Santa Shasta-Hatch- • Bay Association Francisco San Save ee • Committ Yosemite • Association Yosemite Homeowners • Association ett Fund

Thank you to all of our supportersfor helping us. Thank you Outreach our members thanking Ridge Hike Annual Coyote Our explaining the importanceand of open space Ecology forum Panel Historical and CGF-hosted cials offi elected educate to County in South Discussion pro-to to the need ention att of the public, members drawing and County in South open space tect with Anza De College Community Outreach CGF Wildlife Valley Coyote and habitat local protect to students Corridors Roots, Collective Farms of Urban Tour Farm CGF-hosted Veggielution and Park Farm Prusch Emma Farm, Circle Full encour- Shea Mike Tour, Farm Urban the 2009 ending att er Aft Village to donate to Gatos” of Los of his “Cambric account an aged a have our work see to glad are We presenter. Tour Harvest a Farm on fellow organizations. impact positive Education and Readings Author Space Open CGF-hosted discussions: at Myths,Risk:West and Science, e American Th Wilshire Howard Books Recovery of Land and Abuse Kepler’s at Politics Clara Santa at Public Health and Sprawl Urban Dick Jackson, University Reporter led Mercury Environmental News Jose Rogers, San Paul get to on how Conservation Center the Peninsula at a discussion doing are we work for the coverage er newspaper bett — Program Giving Incubator Council Planned Silicon Valley participate to CGF selected Communica- Association of Business International Silicon Valley Giving of event annual,end their 2nd Gift att to CGF invited tors expertise with the non- Marketing/Outreach share designed to sector t profi there is plenty of work still to be done still of work is plenty there Concerns Water County with working Mateo San Protection Watershed specially watersheds, protect to groups interested cials and offi wetlands and slopes on steep development agricultural Santa Enhancements Control/Environmental Erosion to receptive were of Directors District Board Water Valley Clara enhance- control/environmental for erosion recommendations by chaired ee, Advisory Environmental its from Committ ment to plan of Directors e Board (Th Schmidt Brian Advocate CGF date) a later at action take and the recommendations consider ... with big plans for 2010 for plans big with ... A Legacy of Simple Gifts

By Jim Foran any of the large public parks in Santa Many other generous donors have sold their MClara County are the result of the gener- osity of those who have gone before us. Around properties to our open space districts for less than they the valley several families left legacy gift s of land for just that purpose. I have always found these would have brought on the open market. We owe it to gift s inspiring and they serve as a reminder of these forward thinking donors to do our part to my duty to protect and expand our local public lands. preserve, protect and to build upon their legacies. It is to Sada Coe that we owe thanks for the large Henry Coe State Park, now expanded to 100,000 acres, which bears her a large city park in east San Jose, as well as Many other generous donors have sold their father’s name. In 1953, she left the family ranch adjacent property for Independence High properties to our park departments and open located in east Morgan Hill, to the State of School and a nearby Medical Center. space districts for less than they would have California. Without her generosity it would East of San Jose lies Joseph Grant brought on the open market. We owe it to have been impossible to create such a large wild County Park. Th is large park, one fi ft h of these forward thinking donors to do our part and natural preserve so close to the millions the entire County Park system, was donated to preserve, protect and to build upon their who inhabit our area. by Josephine Grant to the Save the Redwoods legacies. I hope that what we do will inspire This past summer, CGF’s urban farm tour League which sold the park to the county. Th e future generations to add to our public parks featured another land gift — the Emma 51 acres of hiking trails have always been my and open space. CGF Prusch Farm Park in the city of San Jose. favorite place to hike locally. In 1962, Emma Prusch donated her family Such generosity and reverence for the land Jim Foran is a CGF Board Member, an farm to the City of San Jose so “The city continues today. Recently, Walter Cott le Lester elected member of the Board of Directors of will make said park a place of relaxation, agreed to donate his 287-acre farm located in the Santa Clara County Open Space Author- recreation and enjoyment for the people of the middle of San Jose to the County and the ity (OSA), a Member of the Board of Th e San Jose, and in such a manner as will, to State, jointly, as a park to display the agricultural Council and Th e San the extent that such can be reasonably done, heritage of what was once known as the Valley Francisco Bay Trail. He is also a Member of give to said park a rural country character of Heart’s Delight. Th is park, bounded by Bra- the Independent Monitoring Committ ee of the and atmosphere.” This 47- acre park, at the nham Lane, Snell and Chynoweth Avenues and Santa Clara Valley Water District. He has a intersection of Highway’s 101 and 280, pre- currently in the master planning process, will long history as a grassroots activist in the City serves the historic farm house and barn, with be named for his pioneer ancestor, Martial of Milpitas, where he led the campaign for a varied set of agricultural attractions. Emma Cottle. I’ve been one of the privileged few Measure Z, the Urban Growth Boundary. He was inspired by her friend, Mildred Overfelt, allowed to walk on the land and feel the city, served as a Santa Clara County Park Com- who honored her parents in 1959, by donat- which surrounds it, almost fade into oblivion. It missioner for nine years before his election to ing what is now called , is a truly remarkable gift . the OSA Board.

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