Agriculture

Kawahara Nurseries, which is based in Morgan Hill, is looking to open a year-round wholesale agricultural facility on Anzar Road in San Benito County. The planning commission on June 16 approved Kawahara Nurseries’ application for an agricultural facility use permit on a 104-acre property that...

The latest weather forecast for Hollister might not include sunny skies, but some relief from the heavy downpours that have been characteristic of recent storms over South Valley might be on the way.  After the latest atmospheric river on Jan. 10 cleared the region there...

Avian influenza, a “highly pathogenic” viral disease that infects poultry and birds—and is potentially transmissible to humans—has been detected in San Benito County, according to local public health officials.  The disease, also known as “bird flu,” was found recently in poultry flocks in a number...

The 2020 season is right around the corner for San Benito Foods as workers gear up to can hundreds of pounds of tomatoes. However, the company is facing a water issue that could prevent the cannery from opening its doors and leaving hundreds without...

Police confiscated nearly 7,000 illegal hemp plants following an investigation into an illegal cultivation operation on Ladd Lane, according to authorities.

Santa Clara County planning officials have released the draft Environmental Impact Report for the 403-acre Sargent Ranch quarry project that is proposed south of Gilroy. The public comment period on the EIR began July 25 and will continue until Sept. 26, according to county staff. Representatives...

The 2022 San Benito County Rodeo took place June 24-26 at Bolado Park Event Center in Tres Pinos. Festivities included bull riding, calf roping and equestrian competitions, along with art and tack vendors, wine and beer tasting, barbecue, live music and more. Free Lance photographer...

UC Santa Cruz recently acquired and established the Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve, a 2,400-acre oak-studded grassland property in San Benito County that will be used for field research and outdoor education for the university’s students, staff and researchers.  The UC Board of Regents approved the...

Three California assembly members on Tuesday introduced a newly minted bill which, if it becomes law, would bring financial assistance to storm and flood victims who are ineligible for state and federal assistance. Assembly Bill 513, also known as the California Individual Assistance Act, was...

The weather forecast is finally calling for a noteworthy dry spell in Hollister, but dozens of local people and businesses are still recovering from flood damage and other property losses resulting from the last several weeks of drenching storms in South Valley.  In recent days,...