This issue of The Valley, a free lifestyle magazine produced by Castro Valley News, showcases local culture, food, history, and arts across the Bay Area. Below is a breakdown of the content featured:
Features and Highlights:
- Art & Creativity:
- Cathy Raingarden’s Sketches: Urban sketches from a landscape architect and artist based in Berkeley, formerly from Castro Valley.
- Bird Collages by Peggy Maurer: Nature-inspired artwork using plant materials, highlighting the beauty of birds without feathers. Maurer conducts workshops and commissions.
- Food & Culinary:
- Culinary Review: A visit to Alice’s Restaurant in Woodside, known for its warm community feel and historic roots. Their caprese salad and buffalo cauliflower were well-reviewed, scoring 9/10.
- Southern Comfort Kitchen: An interview with the Brill Brothers, founders of three restaurants featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine across Castro Valley, Alameda, and Pleasant Hill.
- Recipe Spotlight: Coconut Pineapple Flan from Dalia Gonzalez, accompanied by family memories of its Mexican origins. The magazine offers $30 for recipe submissions.
- Local History:
- History Slideshow: Coverage of Castro Valley’s transformation, including the redevelopment of Castro Valley Boulevard and the origins of the “Castro Valley Light Parade.”
- Bay Area TV Personality Pat McCormick: Recalling the influence of the beloved host of the Charley and Humphrey kids’ show.
- Business & Community:
- Local Business Spotlight: Features Loric Coffee, founded by Lorenzo Wang, who developed a sustainable instant coffee company during the pandemic.
- Community Attractions:
- Albany Bulb: A popular waterfront hiking destination.
- Treasures Hospice Thrift Store: Benefiting George Mark Children’s House.
- Stanton Bear and Crossroads Specialty Foods: Celebrating local landmarks and specialty stores.
- Events & Invitations:
- Local Art & Commerce: Encouragement for community members to submit recipes or pitch feature stories for the magazine.
This issue focuses on fostering community connections by blending nostalgia, culinary reviews, creative arts, and local business stories, celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Bay Area.
