This cozy booth is one of the features of Nico’s 1508 (formerly Nico’s Hideaway) in Walnut Square on the corner of Walnut and Vine in Berkeley. (Courtesy of Nico’s 1508)

EAST BAY TIMES: October 13, 2017

When it comes to celebrated food districts, Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto takes the cake — and most every other food category. It’s one thing that convinced Chef Munther Massarweh to open Nico’s 1508 (formerly Nico’s Hideaway) in Walnut Square on the corner of Walnut and Vine. Another was the restaurant’s built-in charm. Continue reading →

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a rally of health care advocates, grassroots activists, and others outside the Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 19. Sanders was recently spotted at the Peet’s in Montclair Village in Oakland. (Associated Press)

EAST BAY TIMES: October 3, 2017

They say you can tell a lot about a person by their coffee order. So what kind of coffee does Bernie Sanders drink? We learned the answer when he popped into Peet’s on a recent Saturday. The September surprise came just before noon in Montclair and shift leader Dorothy Curry (no relation to Stephen) said he ordered a plain coffee. Yep —- no frills for Bernie — and he even turned down a patron’s generous offer to buy him a cuppa Joe. Continue reading →

MONTCLARION: Sept. 12, 2017

Have you ever felt a connection to someone you’ve never met? This is the story of Lloyd Richard Graham-Donaldson, an Oakland native, an avid horseman and — according to his neighbor — a faithful reader of The Montclarion. Continue reading →

EASTBAYTIMES.COM: Sept 4, 2017

Welcome to September — where the days are warm and the fire danger critical.

We’ve seen this before. The sun seems relentless as it bakes the hills into a barren brown landscape of tinder dry scrub. And with fire season upon us, are we any more prepared than we were on that fateful day 26 years ago this Oct. 19? Some would argue no. Continue reading →

The 17-room luxury Tallman Hotel is photographed with the Blue Wing Saloon in the foreground of Main Street in Upper Lake in Lake County. (Ginny Prior/For Bay Area News Group)

EASTBAYTIMES.COM: May 12, 2017

When western grebes mate, they literally walk on water in a dancing ritual unlike no other. This is something you see on Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California and a birding paradise on the Pacific Flyway. Continue reading →

MONTCLARION: May 12, 2017

Psst. The password is 2907. Use it to unlock the box in Montclair Park and you’ll magically turn into a steward. Continue reading →

Tyler Carson, owner of Hayasa Motorbikes, 430 E. 10th St., in Oakland, will celebrate his 20th anniversary next year running the motorcycle repair shop with a refreshing integrity and passion for the sport, Ginny Prior writes. (Ginny Prior/For Bay Area News Group)

MONTCLARION: May 2, 2017

One of our paper’s more popular features was the Good Neighbor column written by Dave Newhouse. Too bad Newhouse has retired … because Tyler Carson would have been perfect for his column. Continue reading →

This is a view of Pacifica’s Rockaway Beach from the Coastal Trail. Pacifica is that rare place where a visitor can see the Pacific coast, wildlife and wildflowers. (Ginny Prior/For Bay Area News Group)

Mercurynews.com: April 11, 2017

Wild coast, wildlife, wildflowers. One of the prettiest places to see all three is Pacifica. From the moment you round that first tight curve on southbound Highway 1, you are thrust into a dramatic coastal vista that engages all your senses. The blooming ice plants and wildflowers are in the foreground this spring; but since Pacifica is the fourth richest marine habitat in the world, you could see porpoises or even whales in the distance. Continue reading →

Northstar California Resort holds its pond skimming event April 1 with a 1980s throwback theme and prizes for the top three pond crossings, best crash and best costume. (Northstar California Resort)

Mercurynews.com: March 28, 2017

Spring fever is breaking out at ski resorts across the country. In Northern California, record snowfall means epic snowmelt and a wacky tradition called pond skimming. Continue reading →