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The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously July 24 to place a $120 million parcel tax measure on the November 2014 ballot.If approved by voters, the measure would fund open space protection; help protect water resources from pollution; preserve wildlife habitat, hillsides, redwood forests and agricultural land; and improve and maintain parks, trails and trail connections among local and regional parks, according to a press release from OSA. The measure would enable the OSA to increase its acreage of protected open space from 16,000 to 30,000 acres, and add more than 25 miles of new trails to parks and preserves in San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Morgan Hill and unincorporated Santa Clara County, according to OSA staff. Furthermore, 25 percent of the measure’s funding—which is expected to be about $7.9 million per year for 15 years—would be dedicated to cities, schools, nonprofits and the county as grants to support more open space, recreation and outdoor education efforts, according to the press release. The proposed measure is a uniform parcel tax, which would cost individual property owners $24 per year, and would expire after 15 years, OSA staff said. If approved by voters in the Nov. 4 election, the measure would also help fulfill the OSA’s “Santa Clara Valley Greenprint,” a 30-year strategic plan to preserve the most important tracts of open space land and remaining natural resources in the county. “The Greenprint reflects the strong interest by our communities to protect local water supplies, water quality, wildlife habitat, provide more parks, open space and public access in urban areas,” said Mike Potter, chair of the OSA’s Board of Directors. “This additional funding will ensure we continue to maintain a high level of open space service for the residents of Santa Clara County.”The Greenprint was published by the OSA in April 2014. OSA General Manager Andrea Mackenzie added, “The health of our open spaces, habitats, creeks and streams is tied to the health of our communities. This revenue stream will ensure that our children and all future generations will continue to experience the benefits of open space and nature that we enjoy today.” For more information including ballot measure language and an interactive map with examples of high priority potential open space projects, visit openspaceauthority.org/about/openspacefunding.html.

GILROY—From the start, Nelson Villanueva knew his team was special.

One of southern Santa Clara County’s top political leaders is making efforts to curb senior scams.

Sunday’s Gilroy Garlic Festival President Vito Mercado extinguished the  bulb with a final audience cool-off outside the mist tents, drawing a close to a Sunday chock-full of garlicky action.

I love my job. During my first year as Sports Editor, I’ve had numerous experiences I never thought I’d have. I’ve went to a San Jose Sharks game—and was 5 feet from Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane—went behind the scenes at AT&T Park and oh yeah, I went toe-to-toe with a former Garlic Queen during the 36th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Children’s violin skills may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about Garlic.

Day 2 of the 36th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival was a little bit cooler, but a lot busier. Garlic lovers swarmed Christmas Hill Park Saturday, but the day still went off without a hitch.

Looking to catch some shade during Garlic Festival while sipping south Santa Clara County wines?

A simple swab of your mouth could save someone’s life. That’s what the Gilroy Rotary Club and Be the Match National Bone Marrow Program team at the Gilroy Garlic Festival want you to know.

When it comes to Gilroy’s annual celebration of all things garlic, there’s one item on the menu that often evokes a strong reaction. Love it or hate it, garlic ice cream is a popular treat during the Garlic Festival, which often falls on some of the warmest days of summer.