The September 2026 edition of The Valley Lifestyle Magazine serves up a celebration of local food, art, and the people who make Castro Valley special. Meet the neighbors behind familiar businesses, discover dining destinations, and find inspiration in stories of creativity and community service.
On the cover, meet Denica and James Freitas of Denica’s Real Food Kitchen. From their beginnings as Castro Valley’s “cookie man” and “cake lady” to building a Bay Area restaurant business together, their story blends hometown roots, homemade treats, and a commitment to brightening people’s days.
Inside this edition:
- From the Sketchbook of Cathy Raingarden — Page 4: Enjoy another look through the eyes of the Berkeley-based urban sketcher and illustrator who once called Castro Valley home.
- Valley Restaurant Review: Norman’s Grill — Page 7: Revisit a local favorite serving hearty diner classics. This month’s review explores the restaurant’s history and digs into “Ray’s Special,” a breakfast featuring homemade corned beef and country potatoes.
- How Sweet It Is: Denica’s Local Roots — Page 8: Discover how Denica and James Freitas combined their culinary talents to create a restaurant business built on quality, consistency, and love.
- Community Crusader — Page 10: Meet Realtor Paulette Johnson, whose dedication to Castro Valley includes Chamber and Rotary involvement, volunteering, and organizing “Cash Mobs” with her husband Ross to support local businesses.
- Valley Kitchen Stories: Mango Ceviche — Page 11: Local resident Monica Haro shares a colorful shrimp-and-mango ceviche recipe with bright citrus flavors, serrano peppers, and avocado.
- Pigments of Imagination — Page 12: Step into the creative world of Castro Valley artist Cynthia Le Monds. From colorful musician portraits to a challenge to create 100 food paintings in 20 days, her work reflects a love of experimentation.
- Valley Restaurant Review: Bronze’s Taqueria — Page 14: Explore the taqueria’s second location on Redwood Road, where the reviewer samples a generous chile relleno platter.
- Wisdom, Strength and Passion — Page 15: Get to know Marlon Gomez, owner and coach at Body Mechanix Fitness, and his passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves.
Enjoy the September edition and get to know the people behind the places you love. The Valley is a free monthly magazine celebrating the local good life. Explore more at thevalley.life.
