BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Farmers markets are filling with all things fall – pumpkins for jack o’ lanterns, decorative gourds for your porch, hearty winter squash for fall cooking, and juicy pears and apples for scenting the house with fruit-filled baked goods. They’re also a center for fun fall activities like …

Carrie Dianne Lehman-Wilson passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 30th after a long battle with her health. She touched many lives with her kindness and compassion. Born in Walnut Creek California to Robert and Claire Lehman, Carrie was the youngest of 4 siblings (older brother bruce, and twin sisters Cathy …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS It’s the time of year to sink your teeth into an ice-cold slice of watermelon on a sweltering summer day. At your local farmers market, you’ll discover a dazzling array of melons that promise to tickle the taste buds with sweet summer snacking. You’ll find only …

BY HELEN LAME’ Breakout Canadian indie-rock band Alvvays, a two time winner of the alternative album of the year in their brief career, played a fast paced electrifying set at the Fox on Friday night. The five person quintet fronted by lead singer and guitarist Molly Rankin along with guitarist …

Samuel David Chavez, known affectionately as Sam, passed away on June 16, 2024, in Martinez, CA at the age of 79. Born on November 12, 1944, in Oakland, CA, Sam lived a life marked by devotion to his family and a distinguished career in the cinema technology field. Sam graduated …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Summer wouldn’t be complete without sweet, juicy corn on the cob. Sweet yellow, white, and bicolor corn varieties are the stars of summer picnics and barbecues. There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a fresh cob, hot off the grill. Sweet corn is hard to …

On May 2, 2024, Jo Ann Margaret Valaske passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, at her new home in Martinez, California. She was 93 years old. Throughout her life, Jo Ann navigated the expectations of the times with the imagination and inspiration of her soul. She was a …

BY HELEN LAME’ Nearly four decades after disbanding the eighties juggernaut Thompson Twins that he fronted with his future wife Alannah Currie, Tom Bailey’s set at the Fox Theater Sunday night was a solid reminder of the relevance of one of the greatest acts of the new wave era. The …

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS For those who appreciate a tomato’s simplest, most delicious form, the arrival of summer’s exquisite heirloom tomatoes is a yearly delight. They are being harvested now and you can look forward to the wonderful colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors of these beauties arriving at your farmers …

BY RICK PORCARO Pablo López struck out a career high 14 Oakland batters in a masterful eight inning performance to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 win and a series win over the A’s at the Coliseum Sunday afternoon. López (7-6, 5.11), retired the first 17 batters he faced, …