Legislators negotiate laws to streamline solar, wind projects
California lawmakers are crafting an end-of-session package of proposed laws that could streamline the building of solar and offshore wind energy projects, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Democratic legislators, who have shared drafts with environmental groups, industry, lobbyists and other interested parties, are...
State to lift indoor mask requirements for unvaccinated, schools, child care
California will lift its indoor mask requirements Tuesday for unvaccinated people and March 12 for schools and child care facilities, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Feb. 28.
The changes will mark the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began that both unvaccinated people and students will...
Valley Water celebrates $727M in EPA loans for Anderson Dam, other projects
With a cold winter storm bearing down on Morgan Hill, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrators joined local and regional representatives Feb. 23 at the top of Anderson Dam to announce the availability of $727 million in low-cost loans that will fund the rebuilding of...
Gun buyback is ‘one tool’ to prevent deaths, injuries by firearm
Gun violence is a public health crisis in the United States, and an upcoming firearms buyback event in Morgan Hill aims to address the problem by keeping unwanted weapons out of the wrong hands, according to county law enforcement and government officials.
Some of that...
Spoking My Mind: Cycle Saluting and Supporting
Welcome to July! Enjoy those summer rides! Remember to slather on the sunscreen and sport the sun sleeves. Consider packing more water than usual, and try to ride in the cooler parts of the day.
Oh, and take the family out for an Independence Day...
Candidate for Assessor’s Office decries mailer from County
“Due to the federal Medi-Cal cuts, our County-run hospitals and clinics are at risk of closure.”
“Under the leadership of the Board of Supervisors, we are fighting to preserve and protect our critical services.”
These boldface words from Santa Clara County executive James R. Williams greeted...
Coroner identifies two who died in head-on crash on Highway 25
Two people—one a Hollister resident and one from Gilroy—died in a collision on Highway 25 near the border between Santa Clara and San Benito counties, according to authorities.
The Santa Clara County Coroner and Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims of the fatal accident as...
State approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
In a milestone for creating a major new source of drinking water, California has approved its first standards for turning sewage into potable water supplies delivered to homes and businesses.
The State Water Resources Control Board, in a unanimous vote Dec. 19, outlined for the...
Weekly market offers fresh, local produce
Every Saturday, scores of people make the drive to Pinnacle Farms market in San Juan Bautista to buy fresh, organically grown produce.
Owners Phil and Katherine Foster began farming in San Benito County in 1968. Today they grow certified organic fruit and vegetables on 295...
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....























