The Calabazas Meeting held on July 24, 2025, in Santa Clara, focused on the development of a master plan for local trail corridors, building on a feasibility study completed in 2013. The meeting outlined the preliminary engineering and analyses necessary for the project, emphasizing the importance of hydraulic and traffic assessments.

Key discussions highlighted the factors influencing trail feasibility, including land availability, ownership, and the willingness of landowners to permit public access. The meeting underscored the need to consider existing easements, vegetation, and utility placements within the proposed corridors. Additionally, the impact of climate change, particularly concerning sea level rise and flooding, was a significant concern.

Changes in stakeholder policies since the last feasibility study were also addressed. Valley Water has introduced new criteria for trail implementation on its lands, aiming to balance environmental protection with public access. The meeting noted that Hetch Hetchy, which manages water pipelines, has become more cautious about granting access to its lands, now requiring agreements and charging fees for land use to ensure fairness to ratepayers.

The city of Santa Clara has also updated its policies regarding park land usage, which could affect trail development. The meeting explored potential solutions for extending trails beneath city roadways, contingent on adequate vertical clearance and floodway management.

In conclusion, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and considerations involved in advancing the master plan for the trail corridors, with a focus on environmental sustainability and community access. Further steps will involve detailed reports and continued stakeholder engagement to navigate the complexities of the project.