BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Cauliflower has recently become the trendy, go-to vegetable since keto and other low-carb diets have taken over the diet-crazed world. Its low-carb versatility is what sets it apart from other cruciferous veggies because it can be turned into any number of dishes and prepared much as …

Although records are now the best selling medium for music, record stores are scarce in Contra Costa County. Records have surpassed CD’s and downloaded MP3’s and many are looking for new releases, but the major market is for vintage vinyl from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Classic rock is especially …

BY HELEN LAME’ BottleRock Napa Valley has announced their 2023 festival lineup featuring over 75 musical acts including headline artists Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Lizzo, Duran Duran, Lil Nas X, and The Smashing Pumpkins. The three-day music, wine, craft brew and culinary festival will take place in the …

The passing of William “Bill” R. Sharkey III on June 25, 2022, marked the end of an era for the Sharkey family after Bill passed away at the age of 91 at his home in Martinez, California. Four generations have lived and been active in the Martinez community dating back …

Due to expected storm conditions and high winds, all East Bay Regional Parks will be closed Wednesday, January 4, 2023, through Thursday, January 5, 2023. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and high wind warning for the San Francisco Bay Area with flooding, landslides, and rapidly rising …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS The season for citrus is here, and in California, that means a chorus of quintessential, show-stopping fruit, from itty-bitty kumquats, tangy lemons, and red-fleshed blood oranges, to easy-peel mandarins, tart grapefruit, and giant pomelos. We grow it all! This month the spotlight is on the differences …

The East Bay Regional Park District celebrated the opening of a 1,000-square-foot outdoor interpretive pavilion at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton today. The new interpretive pavilion will serve as an outdoor visitor center connecting visitors to Shadow Cliffs’ nature area comprised of 116 acres of cottonwood and willow-lined …

BY XAVIER JOHNSON Reggae excels in the margins. On the surface, many tracks can sound the same with very similar rhythms and timbres. To even a moderately trained ear suddenly the genre opens up to its true nature, a beautiful and diverse style that’s filled with life and meaning and …

BY XAVIER JOHNSON Maintaining inspiration and performing chops later in life is one thing that separates great musicians from certified legends. In rock music, there’s no shortage of older musicians still releasing records and touring, but it doesn’t always work. It’s hard to maintain a consistent output when an artist …

BY DANIEL GLUSKOTER The 49ers overcame the shocking early loss of Jimmy Garoppolo for the season and bounced back from a game opening 75 yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the first ten seconds of the game to come back and dominate the Miami Dolphins 33-17 at Levi’s Stadium …