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From: carolyn <>
Subject: de Anza National Historic Trail Opens in Cupertino
Date: Tue, 02 May 2006 09:03:46 -0700


Press Release Source: Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Department

Historic Anza Trail Opens at Rancho San Antonio County Park
Saturday April 29, 7:30 am ET

CUPERTINO, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Santa Clara County Parks
Department announced today the opening of a historic section of the Juan
Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail at Rancho San Antonio County
Park in Cupertino. Ceremonies to commemorate the trail opening will be
held today at 10 a.m. The program, co-hosted by the City of Cupertino,
will feature Cupertino Mayor Richard Lowenthal and Santa Clara County
Parks Director Lisa Killough.


The Anza Trail, an approximately 1,200-mile long trail established by
Congress in 1990, marks the route taken by Juan Bautista de Anza -- the
first European to establish an overland route from Mexico in 1775. The
expedition crossed what is now Santa Clara County three times with the
goal of founding a presidio and mission near the San Francisco Bay.

"This is an exciting addition to the County Parks system," said Santa
Clara County District Five Supervisor Liz Kniss. "The Anza Trail within
Rancho San Antonio County Park represents a cherished piece of this
valley's colorful history."

The 2.3 mile section of the Anza Trail within Rancho San Antonio County
Park features the location in which Anza and his expedition first
spotted the San Francisco Bay. The County Parks Department has installed
markers and identification points along the trail to highlight the
expedition's milestones.

"Our county parks remain a vital link to the beauty of this region and
the Anza Trail rightfully spotlights an important aspect of this city's
historical composition," said Lowenthal. "It also provides residents of
Cupertino -- and residents throughout the County -- with a unique and
enjoyable amenity to an already popular outdoor venue."

"This trail is a real asset for the community," said Greg Zlotnick,
District Five director of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which
contributed more than $35,000 of the trail's construction. "These are
the kinds of amenities that voters had in mind when they approved the
Clean, Safe Creeks program in 2000, including a grant program to help
build more trails in Santa Clara County."

To reach the Anza trailhead, from Interstate 280, north or south, take
the Foothill Boulevard exit and proceed south on Foothill Boulevard to
Cristo Rey Drive. Turn right on Cristo Rey and proceed to the park
entrance. The park is accessible by public transit.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Santa Clara County
Parks Department jointly manage Rancho San Antonio County Park. The
165-acre park provides a gateway to the Rancho San Antonio Open Space
Preserve, which includes 25 miles of trails and other recreational features.

About the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department

The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department is currently
celebrating its 50th year of providing outstanding recreational
opportunities and precious natural resources for Santa Clara County
residents. This golden legacy has resulted in one of the largest
regional park systems in the state, with 28 county parks covering nearly
50,000 acres.

Since 1972, Santa Clara County Parks has been administered through a
unique set-aside of the County General Fund. Last approved by County
voters in 1996, the "Park Charter Fund" provides the necessary financing
for the expansion, development and stewardship of the Santa Clara County
park system.

For more information about the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Department and its beautiful parks, please visit www.ParkHere.org
<http://www.ParkHere.org>;.


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Source: Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department

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