The
Santa Teresa Foothills form a scenic backdrop to South San Jose
neighborhoods, extending from Santa Teresa County Park on the east to
the vicinity of Almaden Lake Park on the west. The common perception
that the Foothills are part of a public park or open space preserve is
not true! With the exception of the County Park, most of the foothills
are in private ownership, much of which is leased for cattle grazing.
Although many people walk, jog, and bike along the Coyote-Alamitos
Trail, located along the base of the Foothills, few people realize that
they are trespassing on private land! The fact that the Santa Clara
Valley Water District has an easement to convey water in the canal does
not mean that the canal is open to the public.
The Foothills are primarily in an unincorporated part of the County,
a fact that has complicated issues. In recent years, residential
development along and near the ridgetop has been approved by the County
and further development is pending. In addition, the Boulder Ridge Golf
Course is under construction at the west end of the Foothills.
The fact that the Foothills are located outside of the San Jose
Urban Growth Boundary and the fact that much of the land is steep
slopes does not preclude future development of the Foothills, as
witnessed by the ongoing development.
The Santa Teresa Foothills Neighborhood Association is committed to
preserving the Foothills as open space. We are working with the Santa
Clara County Open Space Authority and others to achieve this goal. Your
support is needed! We will keep you informed as to future meetings,
public hearings, and governmental decisions on this issue.
Let the Open Space Authority know how you feel about preserving the
Santa Teresa Foothills. Contact Alex Kennett of the Open Space
Authority at gavilanf@garlic.com.
Santa Clara County Open Space Authority