Our Town

Obituary: Manuel Ferrao Jr. (1931-2023)

Manuel Ferrao Jr., aged 92, passed away in his sleep on Friday, the 20th of August. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Manuel is survived by his sister Laura Menzies, and his devoted children, Richard Ferrao and Kathleen Poppleton, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Tara, Augustus, and …

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Apple Season is Upon Us at the Farmers Market

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Apples are some of the first fall fruits to arrive for the season – with some varieties arriving as early as August. However, farmers say that the wet winter has delayed, their harvests, so we can expect them to begin harvesting a bit later than last …

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Obituary: James Lewis Mullins (1952-2023)

James Lewis Mullins was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the late Roger Mullins Sr. and Lonnie Lee Mullins on July 13, 1952. He is also the stepson of the late Minnie Mullins. He departed this life on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at age 70. James graduated from Bullard-Havens Technical High …

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Holiday Rattlesnake Advisory in effect for all parks

With summer heat warming up the region this week, snakes may become more visible along some East Bay Regional Park trails. Snakes, notably rattlesnakes, typically emerge in warm weather to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. When visiting Regional Parks at this time …

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A Plethora of Perfect Peppers at the Farmers Market

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Peppers are arriving! Everything from sweet bell peppers to the hottest habaneros is now at the farmers’ market. Toss on the grill, slice and dice in salads, stuff with cheese and rice or sweet Brentwood corn. Versatile and delicious, peppers are rich in antioxidants and other …

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Stone Fruit Has Arrived at the Martinez Farmers Market

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS There’s no better reminder that summer is here than to see juicy California stone fruit like peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots appear at the farmers’ market. Stone fruit gets its name from the large seed or “stone” inside and includes peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, pluots, and …

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Obituary: Shirley Caroline Peterson (1932-2023)

Shirley Caroline Peterson peacefully passed away at the age of 90 surrounded by her daughters and caregivers on January 22nd. She was born in Sacramento to Charles and Alta Majors. Survived by her daughters Susan Peterson Trebino (Bob), Terri Peterson Adamo (Lou), grandsons Chris Trebino (Leslie Kimura), Matthew Hammond (Melissa), …

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Cherries Due at Farmers Market in Early May

BY DEBRA J. MORRIS Growing cherries requires a lot of patience, constant vigilance, and hard work to bring a successful and abundant crop to market. The work of pruning, watering, and fertilizing goes on through the entire year for a harvest that takes daily hand picking for only two or …

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