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...
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...
Gilroy Gardens earns a Brass Ring
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park was recently awarded the prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Cherry Jubilee, which was recognized as the Best New Food & Beverage Event. This award celebrates innovation, originality and impact in the global attractions industry and recognizes special events...
San Benito County Rodeo is June 28-30
The San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo kicked off rodeo week on June 22 with the annual rodeo parade in downtown Hollister.
The procession began with a traditional cattle drive down the middle of San Benito Street, featuring dozens of steers, longhorn cattle...
BLM seeks public comment on federal land drilling proposal
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on proposed management updates for oil and gas leasing and development on public lands in Santa Clara, San Benito, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, as well as portions of Fresno,...
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...
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...
New law allows more farmworker housing development in Santa Clara County
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a new state law that could lead to more farmworker housing development in Santa Clara County.
Assembly Bill 3035 was authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin and was inspired by Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas’ Agricultural Worker Housing Initiative, says...
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,...
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...























