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...
Resource center brings more healthcare options to South County
After more than three years of dedicated planning, listening and partnership, Santa Clara Family Health Plan has opened the South County Community Resource Center at 150 Leavesley Road in Gilroy.
This marks the second CRC opened by the local health plan, as it also operates...
Gilroy grocer to attend Trump speech with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) will attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24 with guest Lupe Lopez, co-founder of Gilroy-based Arteaga’s Food Center.
“Today marks Trump’s 400th day in office, and it has been 400 days of disaster for the American...
Local mother on a mission to prevent child drownings
After Morgan Hill resident Kristina Andrews lost her daughter, Kourtney, to a drowning accident about six years ago, the local mother knew she wanted to do something to help prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies.
The desire to make a difference continued to grow...
Thousands of volunteers join 40th annual Coastal Cleanup
Thousands of volunteers flocked to the California coast and waterways on Sept. 21 to participate in the 40th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day.
The event, which is the largest single-day volunteer event in the world, according to Guinness World Records, invited eco-friendly volunteers across the...
Mattress Recycling Council opens dropoff site in Gilroy
The Mattress Recycling Council recently launched a new “Bye Bye Mattress” program site in Gilroy, offering free mattress drop-offs for businesses and residents.
One of MRC’s California recyclers, Xtraction, is now accepting dropped-off mattresses, box springs and futon mattresses from all California residents and businesses...
South Valley nonprofit marks 15 years saving people and dogs
He’d been waiting years for a service dog—years marked by crippling anxiety, years of waitlists, years of prices he couldn’t hope to pay. Running out of options, the Marine veteran called a local dog trainer named Mary Cortani and made a desperate plea.
That call...
Saint Louise announces first baby of 2026
The first baby of 2026 in South Santa Clara County is 5-pound, 10-ounce Brittany Sanchez.
Sanchez was born on Jan. 1 at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, according to county officials. Brittany was 18 inches long. Her parents are Antonia Lopez Sanchez and Bartolo...
Valley Water to expand creek cleanup program
On Aug. 22, the Valley Water Board of Directors allocated additional resources to support greater service and coordination toward cleaning up trash, debris and hazardous pollutants produced by encampments along waterways in Santa Clara County.
The board approved two new staff positions, adding to Valley...
Gavilan College opens food pantry on Hollister campus
To ensure students get basic nutrition, Gavilan College opened a food pantry with a ceremonial ribbon cutting Feb. 25 on its Hollister campus.
The well-stocked room is a collaboration between the college and the Community FoodBank of San Benito. Annette Gutierrez, Gavilan’s director of basic...
