Holly J. McDede

Dec 13, 2024 | vallejosun.com | Holly J. McDede

Before you go... It’s expensive to produce the kind of high-quality journalism we do at the Vallejo Sun. And we rely on reader support so we can keep publishing. If you enjoy our regular beat reporting, in-depth investigations, and deep-dive podcast episodes, chip in so we can keep doing this work and bringing you the journalism you rely on. THE VALLEJO SUN NEWSLETTER Investigative reporting, regular updates, events and more

Dec 11, 2024 | richmondside.org | Holly J. McDede |Holly McDedeContributor

On a recent Tuesday, dozens of elementary school students at Richmond’s Nystrom Elementary flooded into the cafeteria for lunch. Some kids were twirling in circles or dancing, others were munching on apples before they even sat down. The were loud, excited, and ready to eat. On the menu — meat or vegetarian lasagna paired with garlic focaccia breadsticks made by a local bakery.

Oct 30, 2024 | berkeleyside.org | Holly J. McDede

Nearly two decades ago, Emgee Dufresne discovered books that revolutionized how she thought about writing. She was studying fiction at New College of California, and wanted to be like William “Faulkner with a vagina.” But she struggled to write long prose that followed the typical, linear narrative. Then Dufresne’s adviserrecommended writing that changed everything.

Oct 24, 2024 | richmondside.org | Joel Umanzor |Holly J. McDede |Holly McDedeContributor

A new street vendor food plaza aimed at legitimizing unregulated sellers celebrates its official launch downtown today. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for noon today at the city parking lot on Macdonald between15th Street and Marina Way. The pilot program informally launched on Sept. 21 and is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the city’s website. Vendors can also sell at the city’s Civic Center and Marina Bay Farmers Markets.

Oct 23, 2024 | kqed.org | Holly J. McDede

Oct 23Failed to save articlePlease try againCarla Hall, left, of Kelsey Street Press speaks with a customer at the Litquake Book Fair in Yerba Buena Gardens on Oct. 19, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)But in March, small presses around the country were left grappling with a sudden and extraordinary blow. Small Press Distribution (SPD), the only nonprofit independent literary distributor in the country, announced that it was closing immediately.