This edition of The Valley magazine, an imprint of Castro Valley News, highlights the vibrant culture and community in Castro Valley and the greater Bay Area. Here are the key features:
- From the Sketchbook of Cathy Raingarden: This section showcases the artistic journey of urban sketcher Cathy Raingarden, who combines her love for drawing and landscape architecture.
- Culinary Review: A delightful review of Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen in Half Moon Bay, known for its satisfying comfort food and craft beers, with a special focus on their heirloom tomato caprese sandwich and vegetarian chili.
- Pampas Cafe Feature: An interview with Pablo Vergara, owner of Pampas Cafe in Castro Valley. The cafe is celebrated for its cozy atmosphere, community engagement, and unique menu offerings like empanadas and Argentinian alfajores.
- Local History Slideshow: A nostalgic look back at McDonald’s playgrounds in the ’70s and the iconic Creature Features TV show hosted by Bob Wilkins.
- Valley Kitchen Stories: A local recipe from Jason Wigand for Maddy’s Pasta Carbonara, featuring a hearty mix of sausage, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese.
- Artist Spotlight: Highlighting sketch artist Ellen Hamilton O’Donnell, whose flower-inspired artwork bloomed during the pandemic. Her advice to fellow artists is to take time to develop their skills.
- Local Spotlight: A collection of local businesses and cultural sights, including long-standing Castro Valley hairstylist Al Proietti and the Cliff Burton Plaque at Marshall Elementary.
- Celebrating Dampa’s 14th Anniversary: The Filipino restaurant Dampa celebrates its resilience through the pandemic with a fusion of American and Filipino cuisine, driven by innovation and tradition.
This edition paints a rich picture of Castro Valley’s thriving local businesses, talented artists, and beloved community gathering spots, fostering a sense of connection and celebration of local culture.





