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Honoring Garnetta Annable

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Garnetta Annable has been a strong regional leader for parks, trails, and open space since the 1980’s, and was active in formation and leadership of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority over the past several decades. In December 2024, Garnetta stepped down from her role on the Open Space Authority's Board of Directors.

Keep reading to learn more about Garnetta's impact on and passion for land conservation and open spaces.

OSA Board of Directors stands with outgoing Director Garnetta Annable

Celebrating Garnetta

Garnetta Annable (center, left), poses for a photo with the current Open Space Authority Board of Directors.

Garnetta served on the Authority Board of Directors from 1994 to 2012. She left the Board in 2012 and joined the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) in 2013, serving first as the Parks representative, then as an At-Large representative, until 2020, when she was appointed the District 4 representative. Garnetta continued to serve on the CAC until 2022, when she was reappointed to the Board of Directors. Garnetta’s last day of service on the Board of Directors was on December 6, 2024.

Garnetta Annable poses for a photo with the Board of Directors

A Passion for Open Space

Garnetta Annable poses with the 2007 Open Space Authority Board of Directors.

In addition to her service as a Board member and as a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Garnetta Annable was instrumental in helping to pass the State legislation that created the Open Space Authority in 1993, and has participated in countless activities that advance the mission of the Authority for the benefit of its constituents.

Garnetta Annable at Mayyan Ooyakma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve

Caring for Nature

Garnetta attends an event at Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve.

Garnetta has also contributed tirelessly to many parks, trails, and open space efforts beyond her role at the Authority. She served on the San Jose/ Santa Clara County Joint Open Space Implementation Committee, the Long Range Land Utilization Task Force of 1990 (related to preservation of the Coyote Creek Parks Chain), the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Save our Trails nominating committee, and she also founded and served (multiple times) on the Yes on Parks group to advocate for renewal of the Santa Clara County Parks Charter Fund.

Garnetta was a founder of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and a long-time board member. Garnetta also helped form the Citizens for a Livable San Jose organization that formulated and advocated for a riparian corridor policy for the City of San Jose, among several other accomplishments.

Garnetta receives a commendation from San Jose City Councilmember Pam Foley.

Awarded for Her Accomplishments

Garnetta Annable receives a commendation from San José City Councilmember Pam Foley.

Through all of these efforts, she was a strong but amiable voice for preserving parks and open space. Hers was a vision for a greener and more accessible Santa Clara Valley, protected for future generations
to enjoy, and she worked steadily towards these goals by inspiring and enlisting others, especially youth.

Watch the December 12 , 2024 Board Meeting at which Garnetta was honored and celebrated for her accomplishments here.

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