BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Brassicas – you probably hated eating them as a kid, burying them under your mashed potatoes or surreptitiously feeding them to the family dog. We’re sure you’ve changed your mind since then because brassicas are flavorful, easy-to-prepare, and nutrient-dense. The Brassica family of vegetables includes broccoli, …

The City of Martinez’s refusal to honor a legally binding settlement with a Contra Costa County real estate developer may cost taxpayers more than $35 million in damages, forcing the City into bankruptcy. DeNova Homes warned City staff and the City Council this month that it has run out of …

As Robert Doyle retires at the end of December 2020 after 47 years at EBRPD, including ten years at the helm as General Manager, he leaves many legacies that will benefit the lives of East Bay residents into perpetuity. Doyle was acknowledged at the Tuesday, December 15th Park District Board …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Our health is of utmost concern right now. Fueling your body with healthy nutritious foods that improve your immune system and give you more energy and stamina will help you feel better and ward off illness. Fresh local produce from your farmers’ market will give you …

Effective 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2020, all campgrounds, outdoor museums (visitor centers), and children’s playgrounds at East Bay Regional Park District locations will be closed until further notice as mandated by the six Bay Area county regional health officers’ order announced yesterday. Facility Closures Include: Ardenwood Historic Farm Regional …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Start your holiday shopping at a place where you know quality and freshness come first. From baking ingredients to delicious gifts to meal planning, the farmers’ market is the place to come for the best ingredients. You’re making it easy on yourself while still helping your …

Janet Marie Spinale, age 81, of San Francisco, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2020, at her residence in Martinez, CA. She was born October 7, 1939, in San Francisco, the daughter of the late William and Elsie Baroncini. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 …

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an amendment to the County’s Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan to allocate an additional $4,292,960 in CDBG-Coronavirus or CV3 funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 to provide emergency rental …

Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide safe and reliable rail service to passengers and is taking extra steps to prepare for an expected increase in ridership around the Thanksgiving holiday. Travelers will experience enhanced safety, cleaning and physical distancing measures that have been put in place to promote public health. …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you’ll be thinking of picking up some fresh produce from the farmers market. It will be a different kind of holiday this year with fewer and smaller gatherings, but the meaning is still there. We are thankful for fresh California …