Love is in the air. And what do we love this Valentine’s Day weekend? Take a look at the heart in the window of Hatch. The Montclair eco gift shop has been gathering sweet sentiments on red Post-it notes. The objects of affection range from husbands and peacocks to Jesus and Mother Earth. Continue reading
Happy Wanderer: UC Botanical Garden offers worldly view of plants
CONTRACOSTATIMES.COM: January 16, 2015
As a seasoned traveler, I’ve ended up in some strange foreign lands. Iceland in June, Lapland in January … South Dakota in the dead of winter. But this happened in my own backyard, so to speak.
There I was, standing face to face with a cobra. Alert and extended, it seemed poised to strike.
“It’s a magnificent specimen,” said my guide as he beckoned me closer. “Just look at the hood.” Continue reading
Town Crier: Widow of teacher slain in Huckleberry park speaks out
MONTCLARION: January 16, 2015
It’s been more than 50 days since David Ruenzel was shot dead on the laurel-lined trail in the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills. A path known for its beauty and solitude was the scene of a horrific act that belies explanation. Continue reading
Town Crier: Leave the lights on to fight winter funk
MONTCLARION: January 9, 2012
January is a tough month. Let’s face it — the holidays are over and tax season is on the horizon. It’s easy to slip into a funk, But here’s a way to spread joy without lifting a finger. Leave your lights on. Continue reading
Town Crier: Glenview district now has a taste of Merry Old England
MONTCLARION: Jan 2, 2014
It’s day two of the new year. How are those resolutions going? If one of your vows was to see and be seen, you’re in luck. We’re coming up on the fifth annual Oakland Restaurant Week on Jan. 15-25.
From A Cote to Z Cafe, some 75 eateries have special lunch and/or dinner menus at the prix-fixe of $20, $30 and $40. Here is the website: http://visitoakland.org/restaurant-week. Continue reading
Town Crier: Montclair’s new graffiti mural has fans, foes
MONTCLARION: December 26, 2014
If art is designed to spur dialogue, then “mission accomplished.” Montclair’s new graffiti art mural on the Yogofina Frozen Yogurt building has fans and foes wagging their tongues. Continue reading
Town Crier: Rockridge eatery Oliveto’s sound system softens noise factor
MONTCLARION: December 13, 2014
It’s time to talk dirty, with a few words about pollution. You hear a lot about dirty air and water, but lurking in the shadows is the growing threat of restaurant noise pollution. Continue reading
Happy Wanderer: For old-fashioned Christmas, head to Gold Country
A snow covered Empire Mine
INSIDEBAYAREA.COM: December 12, 2014
All that glitters is not gold. Some of it comes from the twinkling lights heralding Christmas in California’s Gold Country. Continue reading
Town Crier: Oakland hills neighbors rattled over Huckleberry Preserve slaying
MONTCLARION: December 5, 2014
It’s been an unsettling time for neighbors who live near the Huckleberry Preserve. Last week’s fatal shooting stripped away some of the tranquility we felt on that meandering trail framed by berry bushes and Manzanitas and soft, sweeping vistas. Continue reading
Town Crier: Mom, 90, finds cheery warmth amid chill
MONTCLARION: November 28, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving from Minnesota! When it comes to gobblers, California’s got nothing on my home state. In fact, Minnesota is America’s top turkey producer with 49 million birds raised annually. Continue reading
Ginny Prior 