Charlie Palmer sees potential in Morgan Hill’s food, wine scene
For many, the name Charlie Palmer is immediately associated with his eponymous steak houses—and his Michelin star gem Aureole—in Manhattan.
But, it’s also synonymous with Sonoma Wine Country and Dry Creek Kitchen, a pioneering restaurant that helped establish Healdsburg’s status as an international culinary destination.
His...
Amid fears of ICE, farmers markets see mixed impact
On a normal Friday afternoon, the farmers market in downtown Watsonville—which draws vendors and customers from Hollister, Gilroy and beyond—is a bustling, joyous event, with gaggles of children playing in a bounce house and families happily in long lines to purchase fresh produce and...
All aboard for wine
The Morgan Hill Wine Trolley—the brainchild of two longtime friends who share extensive business experience and a love of South County’s charming wine country—opens to the public on Aug. 3.
Founded by Christina Perez and Heather Gallegos, the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley offers passengers a...
Nonprofit horse rescue searches for new home
Since its founding in west Morgan Hill about six years ago, Fairytale Farm has rescued more than 250 mini-horses, ponies and donkeys that were living in unhealthy, neglectful conditions—many of whom were on their way to certain death, according to the nonprofit’s founder, Alexandra...
Vineyard brings romantic vibe to South Valley
I love our local wineries but have to admit I haven’t been to them all. In an attempt to spice things up and seek something new, I wanted to take a trip to Leal Vineyards near Hollister.
I decided I wanted to slow it down,...
Santa Clara County Fair moves to August
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation (SCCFMC) announced this week that starting this year, the Santa Clara County Fair will move to the third week of August as part of a long-term strategy to secure essential vendors and ensure the fair’s continued success,...
Board of supervisors approves Coyote Valley preservation plan
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted to limit development across some 7,500 acres in unincorporated Coyote Valley in an effort to preserve agricultural land for local farmers.
The plan, which the board approved unanimously Dec. 14, will limit the number of single-family...
County revisits land use proposal that said horses are not livestock
Santa Clara County planning officials have walked back controversial proposed land use policy changes that would have reclassified animals as non-livestock, following fierce opposition from equestrians, ranchers and agricultural advocates who warned the amendments could devastate rural businesses and displace thousands of horses and...
District ends water use emergency
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...
Trump takes steps to overhaul CA water delivery
President Donald Trump lost no time Jan. 20 in advancing his agenda for California’s water supply with a “presidential action” intended to send more Delta water south to millions of Southern Californians and San Joaquin Valley farms.
The memo calls on the Secretary of Commerce...























