Janis Mara
Berkeleyside
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Past articles by Janis:
For 25 years he made bread for the community. Now he undergoing chemotherapy
John Simmet was the co-founder, with Bill Briscoe, of The Bread Workshop. He has temporarily closed his current business, Plaza Tennis, to focus on treating his lymphoma. → Read More
After months of eating at home, East Bay diners flock to restaurants as outdoor dining permitted —
Contra Costa County restaurants are already seating diners outside; Alameda County eateries will start serving al fresco this Friday. → Read More
Barbecue, burritos and burgers, but not steak — chefs share best to-go foods and takeout tips —
We surveyed several local chefs and restaurateurs about what foods travel best. → Read More
West Berkeley homes approved in 8 months after neighbors reached out
The project sailed through the oft-arduous city approval process because the owners, who intend to live on the property, worked with neighbors and made changes in response to their concerns. → Read More
The Urban Adamah Fellowship integrates Jewish tradition with sustainable urban farming
At its current home in West Berkeley, the faith-based community farm hosts a three-month residential leadership program where fellows get agricultural training through progressive Jewish spiritual practice. → Read More
Despite relaxed laws, building an accessory dwelling unit in Berkeley can still prove challenging
State and city laws have made it easier, in theory, to build backyard cottages in Berkeley. In practice planners sometimes appear to be needing to catch up with the new regulations. → Read More
Despite sale of building, 48-year-old Berkeley Natural Grocery will stay open
Before putting the building up for sale, the seller signed a five-year lease with a five-year option to protect the business. → Read More
North Berkeley BART development gains impetus with new state law
BART must determine the zoning for stations by 2020 and Berkeley must update its zoning to reflect that by 2022. One-third of the housing must be affordable and there are height limits. → Read More
Lola's African Apparel: 'I wanted to share Africa with people through clothes' —
Every colorful garment stocked at Ifafunke Lola Oladigbolu's store has been made by an independent Nigerian seamstress or tailor and, in this way, benefits entire communities. → Read More
Application filed for 12-story, 156-apartment building in downtown Berkeley
The developers are targeting people who live and work in Berkeley, families and people who want to downsize, and professionals who want to be able to take public transit. → Read More
Rising rents, home prices in Berkeley and the Bay Area displacing thousands
Scarcity of housing locally has driven up prices and prompted high rates of evictions and displacement with African Americans being affected disproportionately. → Read More
Marin County Fair, opening Saturday, stresses inclusion
With the theme, “All for one, fun for all,” this year’s Marin County Fair is centered around inclusivity, reinforcing the message that everyone is welcome at the event regardless of language or country of origin.“We → Read More
Gilman Brewing Company in Berkeley is a brewery for pet lovers
Founders Sean Wells and Tim Sellmeyer are full-time veterinary surgeons by day, but their love of beer led them to start a pet project — a brewery and taproom in Berkeley. → Read More
Richmond residents share their thoughts on gentrification, displacement
Richmond is changing. Berkeleyside spoke to a few of its residents to see how they feel about it. → Read More
Fooding, hiking, drinking and renting with the dog: Some East Bay options
Oakland is the East Bay's top dog haven, according to experts, but the whole area has lots to offer for our canine friends. → Read More
Novato residents urge funding for crossing guards, electric vehicles
Novato residents urged Marin transportation officials to fund electric vehicle charging stations and keep all the city’s crossing guards in place — steps one person said would “protect our children.”More than 20 peop → Read More
Novato study counters complaints of parking shortage
Marin Color Service manager Gustavo Vargas says he’s used to hearing customers complain about the lack of parking on Grant Avenue in downtown Novato. However, a recent look at parking suggests the problem is more perceived than real. → Read More
Faced with steep prices, buyers look to emerging East Bay neighborhoods
New housing and the appeal of public transit is putting areas like West Oakland, Fruitvale and Millsmont into more buyers' home searches. → Read More
San Rafael family steps away for a year to travel the world
Skimming over the Adriatic Sea in a catamaran, feeding pandas in China, celebrating Christmas in Australia — a San Rafael family of four is traveling the world for a year in the adventure of a lifetime.The Stevens family — Theresa → Read More
Popular Gourmet Ghetto restaurant Poulet gets new owners, but will stick to tradition
The two brothers who now own the 39-year-old Berkeley institution plan to keep Poulet's healthful focus, uniquely Berkeley spirit and, of course, its chicken recipes. → Read More