Remembering Mike Flaugher: A Champion for Open Spaces

Publish On
A man sits on a bench overlooking a vast cityscape below full of bright lights under a light purple twilight sky; his back is to the camera and his right arm is over the back of the bench, as he turns slightly to the right to take in the view
Mike Flaugher at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, a location that held a special place in his heart

With heavy hearts, the Open Space Authority shares the passing of Mike Flaugher, Director of District 2 on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Director Flaugher represented communities from North San José, Berryessa and the City of Milpitas since 2014.  

“All of us at the Authority are greatly saddened by Mike’s passing and will miss his sense of duty as a board member. Mike was a terrific partner in getting things done," said Helen Chapman, District 3 director for the Authority and current board chair for the public agency. “No matter how complex the issue, he focused on the work and on fulfilling his own personal commitment to protecting the environment, raising awareness and involving his community in building equitable access to nature. He championed these values in all the organizations he served."

Three men stand looking at the camera and smiling, in front of a view behind them with golden rolling hills, a city below, and blue mountains in the distance, under a clear blue sky
Mike (center) at the opening of Sierra Vista Open Space preserve in 2014

An Air Force veteran, Flaugher served in the Air force Reserves for 15 years and worked for National Semiconductor for 20 years. Throughout his extensive public service career, Flaugher held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council, Berryessa Business Association, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Volunteer Coordinating Committee and the City of San José Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood Services Commission.

“Mike was active on the Ridge Trail Board of Directors for over 12 years (2007-2020),” said Janet McBride, Executive Director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. “He chaired our Santa Clara County Committee and was one of the Ridge Trail's greatest ambassadors. Mike was a great connector - he worked to create bridges between neighborhoods, the business community, park and open space advocates and elected representatives to help get the word out about unknown or under-appreciated park amenities and treasures.”

A group of 16 people stand in a park under a white banner that reads "Another segment of the Ridge Trail Opens" in green letters; the people have their hands outstretched to cut a blue ceremonial ribbon in front of them
Mike (seventh from right) at the opening of the Penitencia Creek Trail opening in 2008

“It’s been such an honor to work with Mike Flaugher over the years as he fought for parks, trails, and environmental health for the residents of North San José. It saddens me deeply that we will no longer have his advocacy day to day, though his spirit will always be present as we walk the trails,” said David Cohen, San José District 4 councilmember.  

Flaugher also worked with former San José City Councilmember Marjorie Matthews. “Mike provided just the knowledge and support I needed,” said Matthews. “He was a wealth of information about District 4 — the people and the issues. His dedication to environmental policies, particularly about our trails and creeks, was invaluable and resulted in long term benefits to District 4 and the entire County.” 

A group of 13 adults and three children stand in a park under a yellow banner with the Open Space Authority logo and the words "Welcome" in white text in several languages; the people are holding a green ceremonial ribbon that has just been cut, and many of them have their arms outstretched in a celebratory gesture
Mike (fifth adult from left) at the opening of Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve in 2015

"What stood out most about Mike was his thoroughness and thoughtfulness," shared Kathy Sutherland, Open Space Authority Director for District 4. "He cherished the Berryessa Community and Penitencia Creek, and his love for his wife, April, was always so evident."

"Mike was my steadfast partner,” said Frank Cancilla, Citizens’ Advisory Committee member for the Open Space Authority. “Together we worked to organize the Berryessa Business Association and the Berryessa Art and Wine Festival which raises funds that directly benefit the Berryessa Union School District. Over the years, we became close friends, and it was Mike who introduced me to the Open Space Authority, where I’ve now been involved for nearly a decade. Mike was a family man also dedicated to the Open Space Authority and the Berryessa Community."
 

A man in a dark blue suit holding a framed certificate with signatures reaches out to shake the hand of another man in a dark blue suit and glasses who has his back o the camera
Mike receiving a commendation from the City of San José in recognition of his board service during the Open Space Authority's 25th anniversary

Flaugher’s many years of service to the Authority will be publicly honored on Thursday, March 27 during a public meeting. The Open Space Authority Board of Directors will decide whether to vote to fill the District 2 vacancy through a special election or by appointment.

“As we remember Mike Flaugher, we honor his legacy of service and the positive impact he has had on his community,” said Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the Authority. “His vision and efforts will guide us as we work to continue connecting the communities we serve to the open spaces he so dearly cherished. All of us at the Open Space Authority extend our condolences to Mike’s wife April and their family.” 

Related Posts

Mel Sarmento provides an educational moment for a group of kids

Celebrating Females in STEM

Each year on February 11, the world celebrates the contributions of women and girls in science and technology fields while encouraging more females to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM). In honor of this day, the Open Space Authority is highlighting female-identifying staff who have past and current experience in the STEM fields. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing Open Space Authority staff members who have pursued these fields!
Peter & Ileana after their engagement

A Match Made in Nature: A Volunteer Love Story

Ileana Culcea and Peter Takács are proof that nature can bring people together in the most beautiful way. After first meeting at an Open Space Authority volunteer event, their connection grew into a friendship and eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Keep reading to learn more about Ileana and Peter’s love story and how the Open Space Authority plays an important role in their foundation.
Student Conservation Association students lift their hard hats over their heads while posing for a photo at MOCR

Collaborating with the Next Generation of Conservationists

The summer sun was shining against the rolling golden hills of San José as a group of eight high school students worked together over five days to dig holes, insert fence posts into the ground and string wire across a half-mile piece of protected land - all in the name of conservation. This hardworking group from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) completed an impressive fence project where they learned about nature, local wildlife and land management techniques while connecting with their peers.