Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park

The Authority grant funded the San Jose State University Research Foundation's project, a signature CommUniverCity program, that aims to create a self-sustaining food system for low-income communities in Central San Jose where each child has opportunities to garden at a school garden or urban farm in their neighborhood. The program increases awareness of the importance of eating healthy, fresh foods, and promotes environmental stewardship among low-income children and their families.

The Authority contributed $400,000 to help the City of San Jose transform a neglected utility corridor into a recreational parkway with a meandering trail and landscaping that includes many native plants. Interpretive signage describes bio-retention swales that are part of the project and tell the story of Gary Albertson, a highway safety activist. The parkway is named in his memory.

The City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department is facilitating a range of sustainable container gardening educational workshops that enhance gardening opportunities for all and furthering its goals to cultivate urban biodiversity and equity for the community. Container gardening is a form of gardening in which plants are grown in containers such as pots, planters, or raised beds, rather than in the ground. Container gardens are moveable and easily adaptable to many locations. This method of gardening can be used in a variety of settings, including small balconies, patios, and decks.