Economy

Since Valley Water evicted dozens of unhoused residents of Gilroy from the water district’s properties along local creeks in November, many have relocated to a growing encampment on Sixth Street near Camino Arroyo Drive.  On Feb. 9, the Gilroy City Council voted 4-2 to give...

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2024-25 budget into law on June 29, solidifying $16 billion in cuts and other moves that closed a $46.8 billion deficit.  The budget is $297.5 billion, with $211.5 billion committed from the general fund. It maintains $22.5 billion in reserve...

The leaders of the state Legislature have a message for voters: We know you’re frustrated with how expensive California is—and we’re going to fix it. After a painful election that sparked recriminations and soul searching among Democrats across the country, state Senate President Pro Tem...

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...

Santa Clara County supervisors voted unanimously today to ask voters to approve new sales taxes that will place half the county in the double digit bracket. The higher taxes are needed to close a projected billion-dollar budget shortfall they say is the result of...

The rain-weary Central Coast and Bay Area are being asked, again, to prepare for another round of soaking storms this week, as another atmospheric river system is expected to drench the region.  According to the National Weather Service, the atmospheric river is forecast to make...

San Benito County Supervisors at a recent meeting approved a conditional use permit for the Betabel commercial project, after hearing two appeals against the proposal due to its likely impacts on the environment and tribal lands. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Nov. 8 to...

Driven by increasing residential values and despite a “troubled” commercial real estate market, Santa Clara County’s overall property assessment roll grew by $35.6 billion, or 5.4% in the last year, according to Assessor Larry Stone’s office. The growth includes an increase of around 5% in...

With gas prices soaring, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is urging residents to consider public transit as an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to driving. A single ride on VTA costs $2.50 for adults, $1.25 for students, and $1.00 for seniors. Riders can pay...

California workers will be guaranteed five paid sick days a year starting Jan. 1, up from the three days that employers are currently required to provide, thanks to Senate Bill 616.  The bill, authored by Long Beach Democratic Sen. Lena Gonzalez, also extends protections against...