Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park

The Authority contributed funds towards the City of Santa Clara's installation of a decomposed granite trail and restoration of upland habitat near Saratoga Creek. This project will give people of all ages and abilities access to nature in their neighborhood and to the new all-inclusive playground in Bowers Park. In addition, the trail will create a walking loop by connecting to existing park trails. The trail will enhance and integrate play spaces with nature, while supporting sustainability and age-friendly outdoor activities.

Sacred Heart Community Service’s La Mesa Verde (LMV) program is a network of urban gardeners that uses innovative solutions to build a sustainable food system in San Jose and the broader Bay Area. Their approach draws on agroecology to bridge knowledge, build an active community, and implement organic gardening practices. This grant will help cover the cost of purchasing materials needed for the urban gardens, staff time, and community-building efforts.

Valley Verde's San Jose Food Sovereignty Project supports urban agriculture and environmental education in underserved neighborhoods by providing approximately 120 families per year with intensive support to learn to grow fresh, healthy, culturally relevant produce. In collaboration with residents and schools, the organization creates and maintains vibrant urban gardens, provides a curriculum based on environmentally sustainable gardening methods and nutrition, fosters community building and environmental leadership, and increases access to urban green space. Families participate for an entire year or more, which gives them a foundation in growing their own food for the long-term and, ultimately, building a local food system that supports healthy ecosystems.