Not that I can be particularly helpful until late July, but my input would be to search for a new location. Santa Teresa was a great last minute option however aside from lack of gravity events, the course also caused an unnecessary number of pinch-flats preventing several people from finishing. (I would just be worried that we would have a lower turnout than last year).
My suggestion is to do a scouting ride up highway 35 on the ridge. There are TONS of "open spaces" and (san mateo/santa clara) County Parks which are easier to get in contact with. There are also some campsites up there which will undoubtedly have plenty of space in oct/nov. I suggest:
1) Cruise Google Maps along hwy 35 north of Santa Cruz up to San Mateo
2) Go on some scouting rides
3) Relentlessly call/message and email all curators of desirable parks to initiate contact (gracefully nonetheless). Once some sort of relationship is established and you have the attention of a ranger or administrator who can help with the process
4) as an aside, perhaps initially offer that the team do some volunteer work doing trail maintenance or flora restoration before or after the race and promise that the park will be left nicer than before we used it...
Many park curators/rangers largest job is plant/trail restoration work and are likely to appeal more to a team who is interested in preserving the park as a primary goal of the race as well...
Perhaps a duo with ample people-skills (who also has the time to make daily phone calls or emails) should take on this job.
Ready, set, go...
p.s. also consider talking with CCCX. they have a ton of experience putting on races on the central coast and probably tons of contacts. maybe with their help this race could be non-collegiate as well. if nothing else, they probably have a huge email list of people who might be interested in helping. Consider asking for help from some of the multitudes of retired 50-60 year old bike obsessed men who live in the area.
