Health

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...

Food pantries across South County are experiencing unprecedented demand following the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown, with lines wrapping around blocks and new families seeking assistance at rates not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reach Out Food Pantry in...

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...

To coin a cliché, hot enough for you? Sure, I’ve lived here long enough to know that some of the hottest days of 2024 have yet to hit us; still, we’ve already had our fair share of some terribly toasty temps.  You longtime readers know...

An expansion project underway at the South County Regional Wastewater plant will increase the treatment facility’s capacity by nearly 30%, bring advanced technology to the local recycled water production system, tighten South Valley’s commitment to sustainability and help accommodate the long-term growth coming to...

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and Gilroy Police are encouraging everyone to participate safely and reminding drivers to be extra alert for more people pedaling and walking on the roads.  “Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” Gilroy Police Sgt. Michael McMahon said. “Unfortunately,...

Three hospitals in the Santa Clara County healthcare system have been repeatedly illegally dumping medical and hazardous waste—as well as confidential patient records—over the past year or more, according to authorities.  Violations observed at the county-owned hospitals—including Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy—include the improper...

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...

Food insecurity in California ticked upward over the past year, bringing the share of hardship back up to levels early in the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data released by the California Association of Food Banks on Dec. 12. “Families are buying less food,” said May...

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...