MONTCLARION: December 20, 2013
Oakland is famous for its blues and jazz scene and, more recently, for hip hop and rap. But it’s a teen a cappella group from Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) that’s getting the buzz these days, thanks to the TV show “The Sing-Off.” Continue reading
MONTCLARION: December 13, 2013
MERCURYNEWS.COM: December 6, 2013
As we get ready to deck the halls, we look to an old friend who keeps her Christmas lights up all year round. It’s San Francisco, the city of skyscrapers, Victorians and candlelit cafes. This holiday season she’s more brilliant than ever, thanks to a convergence of art called Illuminate SF — six eco-friendly light-art exhibits that are drawing visitors like moths to a flame. The seduction starts with the world’s largest LED light sculpture on the north side of the Bay Bridge’s western span. Continue reading
OAKLANDTRIBUNE.COM: December 6, 2013
If there’s one thing that folks like to talk about, it’s the weather. Newscasts lead with it — tourism boards boast about it and forecasters live for it.
So does Bill Searfus, a Montclarion with a high-tech weather station above Thornhill Nursery. We’ll get to his prediction for winter in a minute, but first, let’s look at how he developed this passion. Continue reading
Fortune Cookie Factory
MERCURYNEWS.COM: November 22, 2013
It’s Saturday afternoon and I’ve got a bird’s-eye view of one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia. Laundry flutters on the roof near a jade-colored pagoda. Four iron crosses stretch toward the heavens from Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral, built by Chinese laborers in 1854. In the distance, a smattering of sailboats punctuates the Bay. Continue reading
MONTCLARION: November 22, 2013
You’ve heard of farm-to-fork? Well, this is about seed-to-snack. It’s the story of popcorn, and how one Oakland shop owner is turning a childhood treat into a gourmet delight. Scarecrow, 3435 Lakeshore Ave., is the brainchild of Tish Moore, who grew up with some of the best popcorn on the planet — in Chicago. “Not unlike our famous pizza, our popcorn is unique,” she says, adding it’s so good, “people threaten their friends and family to return with popcorn or not come home!” Continue reading
CONTRACOSTATIMES:COM: November 15, 2013
When it comes to tourism, Oakland is in good hands. Just look at the buzz we’ve been getting — including nods for top destination, most exciting city and coolest city. These honors don’t come by accident. The nine marketing and PR pros at Visit Oakland work hard to get on the radar at media outlets around the world. Continue reading
View of the capitol from Graze – one of Madison’s popular farm to fork restaurants.
OAKLANDTRIBUNE.COM: November 7, 2013
The quintessential college town — it’s not just for kids anymore. Mature adults are looking for good food and culture, not to mention the tax base a college brings in.
Madison and Berkeley are two towns that top the list. Both are progressive, with politics that often make the news. But I’ve been to Madison, and it’s not Berkeley. Continue reading
MONTCLARION: November 7, 2013
In Seinfeld’s classic “Soup Nazi” episode, the chef barks out “No soup for you!” Well, that isn’t the case at the Kinstle house. An abundance of broth will abound at the hills couple’s annual soup party Dec. 7. Since 2003, Maggie and John have opened their home to friends and newcomers, alike, for a night of soups, appetizers and desserts. Continue reading
MONTCLARION: November 1, 2013
We are well into autumn, yet the earth has never looked so alive. Just ask hills artist Laurie Statton, who is busy gathering gourds, leaves and pods for her living wreaths. A former floral designer, Statton has been making and selling her wreaths for four years. She loves the fruits of fall, using everything from lemons to flowers and herbs in her botanical art. Continue reading
