Conservationists buy 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch property
The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 2,284 acres of ranchland in southern Santa Clara County for $23 million, the organization announced Jan. 29. The acquisition brings POST’s total holdings at the former Sargent Ranch property to 6,114 acres and preserves sacred native land that...
Doctors issue advisory over mushroom poisonings
Santa Cruz and Monterey counties were included in a list of areas statewide where people have been severely sickened by Amanita phalloides—commonly known as the death cap mushroom.
A group of doctors from across California warned Jan. 14 that foraging for wild mushrooms can be...
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...
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band acquires ancestral property
The Amah Mutsun Land Trust this week announced that by the end of 2025, it will acquire a 50-acre property near the intersection of Highways 129 and 101 in San Juan Bautista—marking the first time the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band has regained full access...
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,...
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,...
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....
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...
Gilroy High FFA members host Farm Day
More than 1,400 people attended Gilroy High School FFA’s third annual Farm Day, which sought to teach the community about the value of farming and youth leadership.
The event at the FFA barn on Kern Avenue welcomed everyone who wanted to learn more about the...
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...
