Environment

Environment

A tale of two San Jose rose gardens

When visitors hear “San Jose Rose Garden,” they likely picture a lush field of roses growing over a well-manicured lawn. But that’s not what they see at the Heritage Rose Garden, which has fallen victim to neglect, vandalism and even arson over the last year. “We desperately need a few new serious volunteers who will...

Silicon Valley reps back bay restoration bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The San Francisco Bay could get a $125 million boost to help improve its water quality and restore surrounding wetlands. The House of Representatives passed the San Francisco Bay Restoration Act last month and the Senate recently referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), who co-sponsored the bill,...

Dam project leaves Santa Clara County’s largest drinking water source dry

A new earthquake retrofit project will render Santa Clara County’s largest drinking water source out of service for the next decade. Amid a massive drought that’s forced local officials to impose 15% water use reductions, the Santa Clara Valley Water District held a ceremonial groundbreaking on its latest project Wednesday—a large outlet tunnel at Anderson Dam in...

Santa Clara County fears July 4th will jumpstart fire season, toxic air

Santa Clara County officials have a simple request of residents celebrating this Fourth of July weekend: Please don’t burn the county down. “Fireworks are a greater danger in Santa Clara County than ever before,” said county Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Hector Estrada. “They result in deaths, injuries and property damage. And unfortunately, year after year,...

Some San Jose residents to pay more for water

San Jose residents will pay more for water starting next month, with varying costs depending on what part of the city they live in. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved increases to the San Jose Municipal Water System‘s drinkable and recycled water rates for 2021-2022. The increases come as the region faces another extended...

Mansion proposal obstructs Santa Clara Valley ridgeline

A proposed Morgan Hill mansion is the target of a complaint claiming its construction will obstruct ridgeline views—something the county’s decades-old General Plan says should be avoided. “The whole idea is that ridgelines are the most aesthetically sensitive parts of the county, because everyone can see it,” said Brian Schmidt, advocacy director for environmental organization Green...