The Loma Prietan - November/December 2009

Coyote Creek in San Jose: can it stay natural in an urban environment? Photo: Helen Tindall

The Third Annual Santa Clara County Creeks and Watershed Conference is Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Cupertino's Quinlan Center, 10185 N. Stelling. Phone 408-777-3120.

This year's theme, "Urban Stream Restoration," features special guest speaker Ann L. Riley, internationally known advocate and author of "Restoring Streams in Cities: A Guide for Planners, Policymakers, and Citizens." Representative Paul Fong of the 22nd Assembly District joins the discussion. Other speaker presentations, poster exhibits, networking, and lunch complete the agenda.

In addition, Trish Mulvey will receive the Creek Advocate of the Year Award, recognizing her tireless efforts on behalf of Santa Clara County streams. A new award will be given to a Water-and-Watershed Building of the Year, for conserving energy and water and preventing runoff and erosion to nearby streams. Stay tuned to learn of that winner.

In April 2008, the Chapter signed the Santa Clara County Creeks Coalition's "Living Streams Vision Statement." This coalition works to transform our local creeks into "living streams." And thus, the conference goal: Strengthen community awareness of ongoing issues surrounding our local creeks, support the efforts of existing groups, and help build new community groups who care.

Thanks to Mondy Lariz, Executive Director for the Stevens & Permanente Creeks Watershed Council and a director with the Santa Clara County Creeks Coalition, for his input into this article.

Judi Garcia serves on the Loma Prietan editorial board as Events Editor and proofreader; she finds peace in nature.