Rosen proposes ballot initiative to address gun violence in California
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced Aug. 3 that he is sponsoring an “unprecedented” statewide ballot initiative that seeks to “transcend the bitter politics of gun control and save the lives of crime victims, the suicidal and children.”
If approved by voters, the...
San Martin man sentenced to 33 years for violent ‘crime spree’
A San Martin man was sentenced this week to more than 33 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of a slew of violent crimes—some involving firearms—dating back to 2018.
The most recent charges against the defendant, Alfonso Castillo Navarro, 37, are related...
Authorities ID man who died in Gilroy in 1983
County officials recently identified three men who were found dead in separate incidents in the 1980s, including one whose body was found on the railroad tracks in Gilroy.
According to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office, Scotty Edward Echols was found on July 4,...
March 16 Bach to Blues concert features Kaye Bohler
The annual Bach to Blues concert will take place at the Gavilan College Theater at 7pm March 16.
Back to Blues is a fundraising concert that showcases faculty, students and amazing local talent. This year's guest performers include Kaye Bohler and the Hollister High School...
Supreme Court lifts restrictions on prayer meetings in homes
The Supreme Court late Friday lifted California’s restrictions on religious gatherings in private homes, saying they could not be enforced to bar prayer meetings, Bible study classes and the like. The court’s brief, unsigned order followed earlier ones striking down limits on attendance at...
Food lines grow as feds suspend food assistance
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...
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...
Week begins with more snow in the hills, rain and thunder in the valley
The hills east of San Jose and mountains of San Benito County are likely to see more snow and more windy, dangerous conditions this afternoon, based on the latest winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service.
Forecasters late Sunday, updated this morning, predicted that...
Valley Water Board elects chair, vice chair for 2025
The Valley Water Board of Directors elected Tony Estremera as the Chair for 2025, and Richard P. Santos as Vice Chair. The board voted on their new officers at the Dec. 10 meeting.
Estremera has been on the Valley Water Board since 1996, and is...
New wheels for watershed steward
For years, Monica Garcia has roughed it along the Pajaro River watershed in her motorized wheelchair, where she’s helped volunteers clean up the ever-constant garbage left behind by those with no concern for the environment.
Garcia, who is battling lupus, must use the wheelchair to...
