Valley Water says Stevens Creek Reservoir is on Stevens Creek about two miles southwest of Cupertino. The dam and reservoir were one of six original systems approved by voters in 1934 and were completed in 1935.
Where the name comes from
The creek was originally known as Arroyo de San José Cupertino, Valley Water says. It now carries the name of an early settler, Captain Stephens of South Carolina, who led the first successful wagon crossing of the Sierra Nevada in 1844. Valley Water spells his first name Elishia and Wikipedia spells it Elijah. Wikipedia says he settled in Cupertino.
The dam
Wikipedia describes Stevens Creek Dam as an earthen dam 132 feet high and 1,080 feet long. It was raised 10 feet in 1985. The reservoir is one of the smaller ones owned by the water district.
Visiting
According to Wikipedia, a 1,063-acre county park surrounds the reservoir, with catch-and-release fishing, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding. Swimming is not allowed. Kayaks and other boats without motors are allowed for parts of the year.
Six miles of trails link the park to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, and Picchetti Ranch is next door on Montebello Ridge.
Fish in the reservoir include bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and native landlocked steelhead. Wikipedia says the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for fish caught there because of elevated mercury levels, so check it before keeping a catch.