Agriculture

Facing criticism over their ambitious plan to curb urban water use, California’s regulators Tuesday weakened the proposed rules—giving water providers more years and flexibility to comply.   Cities and urban water districts welcome the changes to the state’s draft conservation rules, which they said would have...

Fortino Winery, likely one of the most familiar Santa Clara Valley wineries to local people, reflects the history of winemaking in a region famed for the craft.  Premium wine has been made in the Santa Clara Valley longer than anywhere else in California. Part of...

A pair of young wild barn owls were reunited with Mother Nature Sunday thanks to the efforts by the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. Dozens of people took part in an upbeat send-off party at Little Uvas Vineyards in San Martin. The hour-long twilight gathering...

On a recent December afternoon, about 30 volunteers gathered at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista to give their efforts to the sprawling, multifaceted Farmworker Caravan—an annual holiday donation drive for families in need in five counties.  Labeled a “Santa’s Workshop,” the Dec....

Every Saturday, scores of people make the drive to Pinnacle Farms market in San Juan Bautista to buy fresh, organically grown produce. Owners Phil and Katherine Foster began farming in San Benito County in 1968. Today they grow certified organic fruit and vegetables on 295...

It’s a day that seemed like it might not ever happen: Robert Rivas was sworn in Friday morning as speaker of the California Assembly. The ascension of the Hollister Democrat—who represents the 29th Assembly District—to lead the lower chamber of the Legislature brings to a...

The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds hosted a Purina Honor Show Field Day, sponsored by Gilroy Farmers Supply. The free educational event attracted youth participants aged 9-19 from 4-H, Future Farmers of America and The Grange who are eager to enhance their livestock care and...

The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s board of directors voted unanimously April 11 to rescind a “water shortage emergency” that was declared in 2021 during a historic statewide drought.  But Valley Water officials still want local residents, businesses and other customers to conserve water. The...

CordeValle, the celebrated luxury golf resort in San Martin, recently announced it has acquired nearby Clos La Chance Winery, a picturesque vineyard estate established in the early 1990s.  The resort’s owners have renamed the winery CordeValle Winery, ushering in the newest business concept for the...

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on proposed management updates for oil and gas leasing and development on public lands in Santa Clara, San Benito, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, as well as portions of Fresno,...