Recology composting program turns waste into natural fertilizer
On a 16-acre hilltop on Pacheco Pass Highway in southeast Gilroy, Recology turns thousands of tons of yard waste and food scraps from households throughout South Valley into nutrient-rich compost that farmers throughout the region use as a robust natural fertilizer.
The ultimate result is...
State weakens plan for mandatory water cuts
Facing criticism over their ambitious plan to curb urban water use, California’s regulators Tuesday weakened the proposed rules—giving water providers more years and flexibility to comply.
Cities and urban water districts welcome the changes to the state’s draft conservation rules, which they said would have...
Gun buyback nets 289 unwanted firearms
Despite drenching rain and strong winds, people weren’t deterred when it came to dropping off unwanted guns Saturday during a gun buyback program staged by Santa Clara County law agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
Spread out in several tents with a motor vehicle drive-thru...
Santa Clara County seeks to add resources for caregivers
Santa Clara County is moving forward with a series of actions to support family caregivers in response to a recent county survey that found caregivers need more resources.
The county Board of Supervisors accepted staff recommendations and instructed them to create ways to address caregivers'...
Spoking my mind: April’s tremendous two
Welcome to April! Before we discuss the upcoming month’s tremendous two, let’s quickly check my 2024 New Year’s weight loss resolution. As of mid-March, my loss was 10.6 pounds. I’m working hard, and so are you!
Longtime cyclists all know that the fourth month is...
Conservation groups buy 668 acres of South Valley farmland
Three connected agricultural properties straddling the border of San Benito and Santa Clara counties were recently purchased by conservation organizations, ensuring the lands totaling more than 600 acres will remain an active link in a vital regional ecosystem.
The Peninsula Open Space Trust on Oct....
Volunteers pick up tons of garbage on Coastal Cleanup Day
Events at 52 local sites on Coastal Cleanup Day, Sept. 23, resulted in the removal of a number of unusual discarded items, including an ATM machine, iMac computer, a counterfeit $100 bill, a sign declaring “Not a Through Street,” a Statue of Liberty figurine,...
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...
Heat warning extends to Thursday, more flex alerts issued
A statewide Flex Alert has been issued for Sept. 5 as a heat wave impacts the Golden State with blistering temperatures over the Labor Day weekend and beyond.
The alert for Labor Day is the sixth consecutive day that the California Independent System Operator has...
Record temperatures take a toll on South Valley
The historic heat wave that has gripped most of California this week has resulted in broken temperature records, prompted cities and counties to open public “cooling centers” for the vulnerable, limited outdoor school activities—and might have even damaged a stretch of highly traveled asphalt...























