Betabel developer updates project plans
New plans submitted to San Benito County show more details for the commercial development proposed near Highway 101 and Betabel Road—including an expanded variety of uses for the farm stand building that is currently under construction.
The McDowell Charity Trust—the owner and developer of the...
Organic growth
Since planting their first crops about a year and a half ago, the owners and operators of Morgan Hill’s Three Feathers Farm haven’t rested in their efforts to cultivate relationships not only with buyers and vendors—but also with other growers, farming advocates and the...
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,...
Anderson Dam retrofit construction to start in early 2027
Valley Water officials shared progress updates and timeline revisions for the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project during a community meeting Feb. 20, announcing the release of the final Environmental Impact Report for the project, as well as giving a general update on the project...
VTA approves design contract for Coyote Valley wildlife crossing
Now that a design contract has was approved this month for a new wildlife crossing in Coyote Valley, conservationists and transportation planners expect that construction on the project could begin by 2028.
The wildlife crossing is proposed to provide infrastructure for safe passage for animals...
Bill would require U.S. to pay anti-dumping funds to Christopher Ranch
Two California legislators recently introduced a bill that will ensure the federal government pays out anti-dumping duties it has collected to U.S. producers of garlic, honey and crawfish.
Gilroy garlic grower Christopher Ranch is one of the companies in California that could finally receive the...
More than 10K comment on Sargent Ranch Quarry study
Final counts reveal that more than 10,000 letters were submitted to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors during the public comment period for the Sargent Ranch Quarry Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) regarding a proposed open-pit mine at Juristac (Sargent Ranch) in southern...
San Martin ‘treasure’ Kenneth Ludewig dies
Lifelong San Martin resident Kenneth Ludewig, a local “treasure” who brought joy to countless South Valley residents as the creator and operator of the former San Martin Country Park & Pumpkin Patch, died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, according to family members. He was 74...
DeRose Winery is steeped in South Valley history
In my last column I highlighted Rosy and Rich Bergen’s Little Uvas Vineyard (LUV) and their facility called “The Garage” at 255 Fitzgerald Ave. in San Martin. Their long range plan is to have other businesses, like other wineries and eateries, help fill the...
Robert Rivas sworn in as California Assembly speaker
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...























