San Martin ‘treasure’ Kenneth Ludewig dies
Lifelong San Martin resident Kenneth Ludewig, a local “treasure” who brought joy to countless South Valley residents as the creator and operator of the former San Martin Country Park & Pumpkin Patch, died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, according to family members. He was 74...
Love spans a century for local family
Bernice “B” Bode and her great-granddaughter, Jasmin Sauer, have similar personalities and they enjoy spending time together—in much the same way that intergenerational members of many families do.
But Bernice and Jasmin’s relationship is unique because they are 100 years apart in age. Bode, who...
Local blood drive aims to combat shortage
The American Red Cross has faced a “concerning” drop in blood and platelet donations this summer, according to the organization, and donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
The decline in donations has caused the...
New diversion tunnel under construction at Anderson Dam
Valley Water crews have dug about 160 feet into a giant tunnel that will be able to divert massive volumes of water out of Anderson Reservoir when the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project is completed.
The 20-foot diameter tunnel—which will be 1,750 feet long when...
Recology composting program turns waste into natural fertilizer
On a 16-acre hilltop on Pacheco Pass Highway in southeast Gilroy, Recology turns thousands of tons of yard waste and food scraps from households throughout South Valley into nutrient-rich compost that farmers throughout the region use as a robust natural fertilizer.
The ultimate result is...
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...
Driver dies in Christmas Eve collision on Highway 152
A 25-year-old North Hollywood man died in a traffic collision on Highway 152 early in the morning on Christmas Eve, according to authorities.
About 5:55am Dec. 24, the 25-year-old driver of a 2004 Toyota was traveling eastbound on Highway 152 east of Lovers Lane when...
Storms expected to soak South County
Residents and property owners began preparing early this week for an incoming round of storms that forecasters say could drench some areas from Morgan Hill to south San Benito County with more than two inches of rain by Sunday.
As this story goes to press...
State grants Open Space Authority $1.2M for Coyote Valley preservation plan
The Board of the State Coastal Conservancy recently authorized funding totaling $84 million for projects throughout California to protect and restore coastal lands, increase coastal resilience to climate change, improve public access to the coast and reduce the impact of wildfire on coastal lands.
Locally,...
Gilroy’s ‘Mr. Garlic’ dies after long battle with Alzheimer’s
Gerald Foisy—largely known to Gilroy community members and garlic aficionados as Mr. Garlic—died on Jan. 7 after a battle with Alzheimer's. He was 83 years old.
For 29 years, Foisy volunteered as Mr. Garlic, the happy, healthy ambassador of the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival who...

















