Our newest edition is packed with community stories, local history, food, art, and inspiration from across Castro Valley and the Bay Area. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:
🎨 From the Sketchbook
Meet Cathy Raingarden, an urban sketcher whose journey through art began while studying landscape architecture. Her illustrations capture the vibrancy of everyday life and remind us how creativity connects us to our surroundings.
🍳 Local Flavor: Restaurant Review
Castro Valley’s culinary scene gets a boost with The Breakfast Club, the community’s newest breakfast destination. From hearty omelets and pancakes to mimosas and burgers, this eatery is making waves with fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a family legacy in food. We give it 9.5 out of 10 stars.
🍨 Page One Feature: Loard’s Ice Cream
A Castro Valley landmark since 1950, Loard’s Ice Cream remains a sweet staple in the Village Shopping Center. Now under the care of second-generation owner Charlene Lung, the store recently underwent a thoughtful renovation that preserved its whimsical charm — pink walls, hand-painted murals, and all — while welcoming a new era of community memories.
📸 Picturing the Past
Take a stroll down memory lane with Bay Area photo highlights, including the story of Oakland A’s pitcher Dave “Smoke” Stewart, who helped secure the 1989 World Series. Plus, explore the beloved legacy of Thrifty Ice Cream, saved from vanishing after Rite Aid’s bankruptcy when Monster Energy scooped it up in 2025.
🍝 Valley Kitchen Stories
Local resident Sabrina Strach shares her perfected recipe for Ragù (Bolognese Sauce) — a hearty, comforting dish learned in Italy and refined over years of cooking for family, friends, and even those in need of healing meals.
🖌️ Local Artist Spotlight
Hayward painter Cedric Williams finds balance and peace through his art, creating breathtaking sunsets, landscapes, and scenes of natural beauty. His work, shown in Castro Valley’s Center for the Arts and Library, invites others to embrace their own creativity.
🌄 Don’t Miss This – Local Highlights
- Grizzly Peak Boulevard: Stunning skyline views above Berkeley.
- Local Preserves: Delicious fruit preserves made from gleaned produce (via Forestr.org).
- Holiday Cheer: New Hallmark ornaments at Mark’s Hallmark.
- Local Talk: Community chatter on the “Castro Valley Ask, Share, Discuss” Facebook group.
🎩 Community Magic
Meet Douglas McCay, “The Charismatic Conjuror,” who has been sharing magic in Castro Valley for nearly five decades. Known for his sleight of hand and joyful performances, he continues to delight crowds weekly at the Cordial Cellar and Lounge.
