Local News

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith announced Oct. 31 she would retire, effective immediately, as a jury deliberates a verdict in a civil corruption trial involving jail mismanagement and a “pay-to-play” scheme involving gun permits issued by her office. Undersheriff Ken Binder will take over...

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...

In two separate Santa Clara County workers’ compensation insurance fraud cases, a child therapist and San Jose father and son business owners will face serious sentences for committing felony fraud, according to authorities.  Mark Anthony Ramos, 50, of Escondido, owner of Stars Bay Area Therapy...

A series of earthquakes this afternoon has rattled areas of Central California, including Morgan Hill. The closest of the July 8 temblors was a 4.8 magnitude at 3:50pm about 11 kilometers southwest of Farmington, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website. That’s about a 100-mile drive...

Louise Shields is going to the moon. The Gilroy artist was chosen to have a digital copy of her work as part of a time capsule that will be brought on board a lunar lander scheduled to launch on a SpaceX rocket in May. LunARC, a...

An 18-year-old passenger died in a vehicle crash on San Justo Road in San Benito County Jan. 29, according to authorities.  About 5:03pm Jan. 29, the driver of a vehicle lost control of the car while traveling east on San Justo Road, east of San...

Valley Water has drained Anderson Reservoir in east Morgan Hill until it is almost empty, and will begin seeking bids in January for a contractor to build a massive new discharge tunnel over the next three years.

U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced this week that Gavilan College will receive $375,000 from the National Science Foundation to support STEM education for Latino students. “Diversity in the STEM workforce matters, and I am glad to see Gavilan College is implementing an innovative program...

Among Gavilan College’s graduating Class of 2024 are Gilroy twins Brett (left) and Scott Archer. The twin brothers graduated from Gavilan at the college’s commencement ceremonies on May 24.  Brett graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems and Communication Studies. Scott graduated with a...

Then on Aug. 27, Gilroy resident Alan Viarengo was arrested for allegedly sending 24 anonymous, threatening letters to Santa Clara County Health Officer Sara Cody. Investigators serving a search warrant at his home found 138 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and explosive materials.