Santa Clara County Local News

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

An introduction to the 10 candidates running for open seats on the Santa Clara City Council in the November election.

Candidates running for Los Altos City Council share their thoughts on environmental objectives.

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

Jessica Alvarez Castañeda was sick of low-paying jobs. For years, the 39-year-old mother of four had been “breaking her back for almost nothing” as a cashier, nursing assistant, babysitter, house cleaner and cook.

Meet Mark Turner, running for the District A seat on the Morgan Hill City Council in November.

Two candidates are running to represent the Palo Alto-Stanford area on the Foothill-De Anza College Board of Trustees in November.

After delays and mishaps, California announces $450 million for high school career pathways.

A look at the history and evolution of California Coastal Cleanup Day, 40 years and 27 million pounds of trash picked up since its founding.

California is the seventh U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s licenses for iPhones, part of a growing push by businesses and governments to make digital IDs commonplace.

At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.

The UC Regents approved campus requests for more tools for UC police months after campus protesters clashed with law enforcement.

The California Public Employees’ Retirement system is the nation’s largest state-backed pension fund. It awarded its chief executive $667,000 bonus after a successful investment year.

Worries about retail theft and fentanyl deaths shaped a November ballot measure that would toughen some criminal penalties. Here are the facts about California crime trends.

As part of the celebration of their 100th anniversary, the Los Gatos Rotary Club is funding a new oak grove in Live Oak Manor park.

A development with 138 homes has been proposed for Los Gatos near the intersection of highways 85 and 17.