South Valley unites for farmworkers
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....
Eden Rift: Where the past is present
I recently went out to visit another winery in San Benito County, where the wineries and the wines share a similar place in the world of California regions—we had a history of being leaders in winemaking going back to the 19th century, we are...
After public outcry, Santa Clara County supervisors order revisions to rural zoning proposal
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 unanimously approved a change of course for proposed rural zoning amendments after hundreds of farmers, ranchers and equestrian business owners raised concerns the changes would devastate their operations.
Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who represents much of...
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...
Conservationists secure ranchland for open space in Morgan Hill
The Peninsula Open Space Trust recently completed the transfer of 1,908 acres of Lakeside Ranch in Morgan Hill to the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency.
With the transaction, the Habitat Agency gains stewardship of one of the largest remaining intact ranches in the South Bay,...
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...
Llagas Creek project is fully funded after 70 years
Local agencies finally have enough money to complete the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project, about 70 years after the massive infrastructure project was initially planned.
Valley Water celebrated the milestone Sept. 13 at the construction site in south Morgan Hill for the final phase...
UC Santa Cruz secures 2,400-acre ranch in San Benito County
UC Santa Cruz recently acquired and established the Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve, a 2,400-acre oak-studded grassland property in San Benito County that will be used for field research and outdoor education for the university’s students, staff and researchers.
The UC Board of Regents approved the...
Report identifies ‘significant’ impacts from proposed Sargent Mine
Santa Clara County planning officials have released the draft Environmental Impact Report for the 403-acre Sargent Ranch quarry project that is proposed south of Gilroy.
The public comment period on the EIR began July 25 and will continue until Sept. 26, according to county staff.
Representatives...
Mushroom Fest raises funds for scholarships, nonprofits
The 40th Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival unfolded Saturday and Sunday at the Downtown Amphitheater grounds and Depot Street.
On May 25, sunshine mixed with a cool breeze drew thousands of locals and out-of-town visitors for a day of live music, arts and crafts, food booths,...
