BY DEBRA J. MORRIS The flavor of a ripe heirloom tomato in mid-summer cannot be surpassed. Their superior quality and taste is something we look forward to every year. A big slab of Cherokee Purple or Brandywine tomato in a sandwich or on a salad tops the list of summer …

BY MARIANA GARRICK Garbage’s seventh album is more political than ever as they address the world’s current condition. Following their 2016 album Strange Little Birds, No Gods No Masters emerges at a time where society is slowly going back to the norm (whatever that is) after having months to reflect …

The East Bay Regional Park District is partnering with Outdoor Afro to commemorate Juneteenth by waiving park entry fees on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Juneteenth is an annual recognition of the 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas who were notified of their freedom on June 19, 1865, two and a …

BY MARIANA GARRICK Anything sour has the tendency to make your face scrunch up in distaste, but Olivia Rodrigo’s album, Sour, couldn’t be further from that. The only thing that Rodrigo hints at being sour was her relationship, which she talked about in her chart-topping hit single “Drivers License.” The …

BY MARIANA GARRICK After 11 years, Liz Phair has finally returned to release her seventh studio album, Soberish. Phair’s newest album is full of growth and it’s clear she took into account the harsh criticism she faced from her previous album Funstyle. Though Soberish is completely different from Funstyle as …

BY MARIANA GARRICK Guitarist Nancy Wilson from the band Heart just made her solo debut with the release of her new album, You and Me. Recorded primarily in her California home studio during quarantine, she worked remotely to create the rocking 12-track album with special guests including Sammy Hagar along …

The East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously voted Tuesday to name the new regional park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50.” The name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” recognizes …

Our beloved Michael passed away at 6:24 a.m. on May 19, 2021 in Martinez. Family and friends blessed to have been part of his journey through life and to have known such a caring, loving husband, brother, uncle and friend. Michael was a quiet sole, but his presence was felt …

BY MARIANA GARRICK The indie-blues rock band The Black Keys released their 10th studio album Delta Kream on May 14. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s 11-track album fills the ears of listeners with head-bopping jams and foot-stomping rhythms that pay tribute to hill country blues legends R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS The fruit of summer – juicy melons, sweet cherries, luscious berries, plump figs, and succulent grapes – are what we wait for all year long, but it all begins with the utter bliss of biting into a sweet, juicy peach or nectarine. In their infinite variety …