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...
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...
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center hopeful feds will reverse Medicare termination
On Aug. 12, 2022, a man arrived at the trauma unit of the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose bleeding from multiple stab wounds to his wrist and abdomen. Doctors determined that he had stabbed himself with a four-inch knife.
After emergency surgery...
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...
County launches grant program to help extend childcare options
Santa Clara County is steering $15 million into expanding childcare services in the county, officially launching last week a grant program that was approved in February.
Funds can be used by recipients for facility improvements and operating costs, including rent and wages.
The county Board of...
County ponders how to spend $48M in opioid settlement money
Santa Clara County Supervisors on Sept. 12 will discuss how to spend the nearly $50 million in opioid settlement cash the county will be getting to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis.
Taking the lead on the issue is Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who said she...
First West Nile death reported in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County health officials on Aug. 14 reported the first local death attributed to West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness.
The death this month of an immunocompromised adult at a local hospital “after experiencing West Nile virus symptoms” is the second reported human case...
County celebrates opening of expanded Valley Health Center Morgan Hill
The new Valley Health Center clinic in Morgan Hill—formerly known as the De Paul Health Center—is now open, offering expanded healthcare coverage for residents of South County and surrounding areas.
The new health clinic now known as VHC Morgan Hill—which includes a fully remodeled urgent...
New state law keeps medical debt off credit report
‘Everyday people across the country skip medical care because of cost. Those who do seek medical help may end up with a balance they can’t pay off. That debt can hurt people’s credit scores, resulting in long-term financial burdens.
Starting Jan. 1, a new state...
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....























