Mike Cusack passed away on Tuesday December 18th, 2018. He was surrounded by his three loving daughters, two son-in-laws, his sister and his best friend of 55 years.  Mike was born in Modesto, to Mary and George Cusack on July 24th, 1949. He grew up in Pleasant Hill, graduated Pleasant Hill …

BY GRADY DUGGAN Current Oakland Raider Marshawn Lynch said it perfectly at the Oakland City Council, “We’re losing the Raiders, we’re losing the Warriors, best not lose the A’s. Appreciate it.” Coming out of what was one of the more exciting seasons in recent years, the Athletics enter an interesting …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS At first glance, it is hard to tell the differences between tangerine and mandarin. Not only do they look alike, their taste is also similar and both grow on trees that also look similar. They both are part of the orange family; however, tangerines are a …

The East Bay Regional Park District and Save the Redwoods League unveiled an Old Growth Redwood Heritage Viewing Deck and Interpretive Exhibit at Roberts Regional Recreation Area this past Saturday, celebrating its dedication with redwood lovers from around the Bay Area. The exhibit, found along Roberts Ridge Trail, preserves and …

BY CATHERINE STITES Releasing their first album in a decade, Facing New York took the stage to reunite with old fans and new at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco Friday night. The show was part release party for their new album “Dogtown,” and part reunion tour. The bands …

  BY DANIEL GLUSKOTER K.J. Costello’s 46 yard touchdown pass to Cameron Scarlett and a pair of interceptions by Paulson Adebo helped lead Stanford to a 23-13 victory over Cal at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Saturday, its ninth straight Big Game win. Adebo made a spectacular one-handed interception in …

BY MARKO UKALOVIC When you need someone to finish a game for you, you only need to call Kevin Durant. The Golden State Warriors all world small forward scored 13 of his game leading (and season high) 49 points to overcome an 18-point deficit for a come from behind victory …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS This is pomegranate season, just in time for the holidays. What could be prettier than a sparkling pomegranate cider or a fresh salad with pomegranate seeds? These beauties can even be used for decorating because they last quite a while when not opened. Pomegranates have a …

BY MARKO UKALOVIC Dennis Schroder is becoming the secret weapon for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He led his team past the Golden State Warriors coming off the bench with 32 points in 28 minutes in a dominating 123-95 victory on Thanksgiving Eve at Oracle Arena. While the Warriors were able …

All 18 public school districts in Contra Costa County (as well as Contra Costa County Office of Education programs) will be closed on Friday, November 16 due to worsening air quality conditions throughout the county. Contra Costa County K-12 school districts include: Acalanes Union High School District, Antioch Unified School …