BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Summer is here, the corn and tomatoes are being harvested, the planting of fall crops has begun, and your local farmers’ markets continue to supply good wholesome fruits and vegetables, even in the midst of a pandemic. We are looking for the light at the end …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Lawmakers across the state continue to weigh the pros and cons of reopening farmers markets, even though they have been declared essential businesses. It is still up to individual cities and counties to make the final decision on whether to reopen, leaving us with a patchwork …

The American Red Cross is reporting a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals willing to donate are needed now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. “I used to donate every 8 weeks. 9/11 was the …

The San Francisco 49ers announced today that Joe Staley, a three-time All-Pro tackle and six-time Pro Bowl selection, has retired from the National Football League.   “For the last 13 years, Joe Staley conducted himself in a manner that epitomizes the 49ers way and set a tremendous example for his …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS The Martinez Farmers Market on Sunday mornings is still going strong through this tough time, offering some of the best fruits and vegetables and other foods to you directly from the farm. We are pleased to announce that now the first hour of the market, 9AM …

In a normal year, the Winter Nights Family Shelter in Contra Costa County is blessed with over 3,500 volunteers. Each week some 100 helpers from faith congregations, scout troops, and service groups prepare and serve food, plan children’s activities and assist with laundry. The new shelter in place rules have …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Amid the continuing safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, some Bay Area farmers markets have closed, but there are many that remain open because they are considered essential businesses. Customers and farmers alike depend on direct-to-consumer fresh quality produce and other market products to feed …

Seven Bay Area County Health Officers, in collaboration with their six County Superintendents of Schools have made a unified, regional decision to extend school closures and student dismissals from regular school attendance through May 1, 2020, to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible. The safety and …

BY MASON BISSADA This developing story was updated at 12PM Pacific Time on March 12th. The National Basketball Association has suspended its season in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi. After initially taking the precaution of not allowing fans into certain arenas for …

BY MASON BISSADA In what may turn out to be the final Warriors home game with fans in attendance at Chase Center for the foreseeable future, Golden State lost in demoralizing fashion to the Los Angeles Clippers, 131-107. After the Santa Clara Health Department ordered on Monday that all gatherings …