The allure of Oregon

Oregon has it all: Mountains, forests, rivers, valleys and, best of all, no traffic like the Bay Area. In about five hours, my husband and I drove from San Francisco and reached so... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Wander Sonoma’s Westside

By Patty Burness

Life during the week is crazy. Having a weekend trip mirror that intensity is pure insanity. It’s great when a getaway is easy and relaxing. That’s what makes it thorou... Read More

Coastal Commuter

No rain, big flame

By Michael Snyder

As I write this, California is dealing with yet another drought, something that’s been more the rule than the exception in recent memory. It’s kind of bizarre to be ens... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Get going to Guerneville

By Patty Burness

Guerneville, situated in the Russian River resort area, is a wonderful town from which to discover this idyllic region. Be active or relax — you win with either choice. The area ... Read More

Sports Corner

Down but not out in Fresno

By Steve Hermanos

If watching a mid-summer baseball game at Candlestick Park was an arctic experience, watching a few miles north at the ballpark at McCovey Cove is as often subarctic. It’s a ... Read More

Coastal Commuter

Change and loss in the city of gloss

By Michael Snyder

A day prior to writing this piece, I posted a status update on Facebook about the demise of a favorite Thai restaurant in my neighborhood — a pleasant, increasingly upscale distr... Read More

Travel/Sports

Freezing with my father at Candlestick Park

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

Some of my best recollections of my father revolve around the one thing that really connected us: sports. I have no doubt, being a tremendous athlete himself, that my dad was hopin... Read More

Weekend Traveler

The other side of Sacramento

By Patty Burness

Sacramento is known for its history, politics, and the river that runs through it. It’s also a great base from which to explore the region. This trip, a girlfriend and I stay... Read More

Coastal Commuter

Going forth on the Fourth for bombast and bomb blasts

By Michael Snyder

Allow me to get a little onomatopoeic … ka-boom! The Fourth of July is the summer’s major party in the good ol’ US of A — and the noisiest celebration of the ye... Read More

Sports Corner

American soccer cleans up

By Steve Hermanos

American soccer was like a drug-addicted guy who lived on a ratty boat in a shabby marina. For decades, it seemed as if American soccer would never get its life together. But at so... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Picture perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea

By Patty Burness

As you make plans for a weekend getaway, remember: Pet-friendly Carmel is a quick drive south. For those with an appetite for some of the best wine tasting and gastronomic treasure... Read More

Coastal Commuter

The Coastal Commuter

By Michael Snyder

Recently, a colleague directed my attention to an organization called Groupmuse, which is dedicated to bringing classical music to people’s homes in the Bay Area via intimate... Read More

Coastal Commuter

Earthquake country

By Michael Snyder

California residence offers so many benefits that the few liabilities can usually be dismissed. This is particularly true the closer you are to the glorious Pacific. If you’r... Read More

Weekend Traveler

Recharge and rejuvenate in San Francisco

Find out how SF can still romance and charm you

By Patty Burness

Sometimes it makes sense to indulge on your home turf instead of spending time to travel elsewhere to get away for the weekend. San Francisco is an incredible city — call it home... Read More

Sports Corner

Great expectations for the Giants in 2014

By Steve Hermanos

Finding myself in the Giants clubhouse on Friday afternoon, the day after TV cameras zoomed in on the glistening hand of Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda, I asked some Giants about t... Read More

Travel/Sports