Projected cost of Anderson Dam retrofit balloons to $2.3B
Projected costs of the massive Anderson Dam reconstruction project in Morgan Hill have risen to approximately $2.3 billion, according to a report prepared by engineers for the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Two years ago, the cost of the dam project—required for earthquake protection and...
State reps push for farmworker tax credits, more overtime
State Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, and state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Bakersfield, introduced legislation to create a tax credit for agricultural employers to help cover the cost of paying overtime wages to farmworkers.
Senate Bill 921, co-sponsored by the California Farm Bureau and the California Association...
Program gives ranchers access to areas during disasters
The County of Santa Clara has launched a program that will allow ranchers and livestock owners to access restricted areas during wildfires and other emergencies to feed their animals, check their health and, if necessary, evacuate them.
The County has granted more than 40 Livestock...
Federal monitor moves county from ‘Severe’ to ‘Moderate’ drought
With seemingly constant rain storms pummeling the South Bay so far this winter, a federal drought monitoring program recently downgraded most of Santa Clara County from “Severe” to “Moderate” drought. But local water supply authorities warn that residents and property owners should continue to...
County installs solar panel array at San Martin animal center
The goats at the Santa Clara County Animal Services Center in San Martin have a new source of shade: an array of solar panels that generate power for the 37,000-square-foot shelter.
The county Facilities and Fleet Department completed the project last fall. It’s one of...
County attempts to eradicate ‘aggressive’ mosquito species
Authorities in Santa Clara County are trying to eradicate an “aggressive” species of mosquito before it can become established, a spokesperson for the county said April 11.
A half-dozen non-native Aedes aegytpi mosquitoes have been detected in East San Jose, according to the county. The...
Volunteer for nature in 2025
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has invited all local nature enthusiasts to give back to nature by joining the agency’s 2025 Volunteer Cohort, the OSA said in a press release.
Volunteers play a key role in the OSA’s mission to care for and connect...
Amah Mutsun Land Trust names new director
The Amah Mutsun Land Trust board of directors appointed Noelle Chambers as its new executive director.
Chambers is the former Vice President of Conservation at Peninsula Open Space Trust, where she worked for 20 years and helped execute the successful protection and transfer of 30,000...
Valley Water to expand creek cleanup program
On Aug. 22, the Valley Water Board of Directors allocated additional resources to support greater service and coordination toward cleaning up trash, debris and hazardous pollutants produced by encampments along waterways in Santa Clara County.
The board approved two new staff positions, adding to Valley...
Conservationists purchase 1,986-acre ranch in Morgan Hill
A regional land preservation organization recently purchased a 1,986-acre ranch in west Morgan Hill, pledging to permanently protect the property that includes sweeping views and critical wildlife crossings, as well as homes for native and endangered species.
The Peninsula Open Space Trust announced on April...
