Ray Germain, Local News Matters Journalist Profile

Articles

Photos: Celebrating the chill at the 45th Frozen Bun Run

Jan 2, 2025 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

Driven by either desire or perhaps a lapse of reason to brave the cold waters of the California Delta, participants and those that wanted to watch others freeze started arriving early on New Year’s Day to the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island for the annual Frozen Bun Run.
How the world saw our presidential election: A collection of photos from around the globe

Nov 6, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

Photos from India to Taiwan to Jerusalem to Tokyo and many other places around the globe show people of all nationalities watching as the United States selected a new president. Former President Donald Trump received more electoral and popular votes then challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris. Art teacher Prithviraj Kambli paints posters of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump outside his school in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Eyes of the Bay: Harris supporters react at San Francisco watch parties

Nov 6, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Bhabna Banerjee |Anastasia Sotiropoulos |Ray Germain

Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris gathered at Manny’s in the Mission, 111 Minna Gallery in SoMa, and The Function in Hayes Valley in San Francisco on Tuesday in hopes Harris would be the next President of the United States. Harris, who began her political career as San Francisco District Attorney lost the presidential race to former President Donald Trump.
Senator Nancy Skinner to talk challenges of civic service

Oct 7, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Molly Connelly |Ray Germain

With the November election looming and her term ending, state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, will appear at a public forum Monday for a conversation about her 14 years in the California Assembly and Senate. The conversation, titled “A Candid Conversation,” will be held at the Berkeley Hillside Club at 2286 Cedar St. at 7:30 p.m. and will be led by realtor and club member Arlene Baxter to address the challenges of legislating and the importance of being civically engaged.
In photos: Kyle Larson victorious at Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series

Jun 11, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

Dozens of drivers vied for the prize Sunday at the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma. Kyle Larson emerged the winner as he drove his Valvoline Chevrolet to victory, leading for 22 laps during the race that had 8 cautions. The native Northern Californian earned Larson 5 playoff points with his 26th career win, moving him to the top of the annual series. Michael McDowell finished second and Chris Buescher finished third.
Carnaval San Francisco Grand Parade 2024

May 27, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

Thousands lined the Grand Parade route led by Grand Marshall,1992 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Rigoberta Menchú Tum, during Carnaval San Francisco on Sunday. Over 3000 colorful and many feathered parade participants drove, danced and walked the 20 block route in the City’s Mission District. Themed “Honor Indigenous Roots” the 46th Carnaval is the largest and longest-running multicultural celebration in California, draws 400,000 attendees annually and generates $10 million for local businesses.
Using AI tools to enhance photo display: AI, a gift from God or a toolbox from the devil?

May 6, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

I have been a photojournalist covering the Bay Area for over 30 years and in the days of film and darkrooms we followed a code of ethics. We didn’t stage photos or allow subjects to set them up. We showed our subjects respect and did our best to truthfully portray them. We strived to cover all sides of an issue, allowing our readers to decide what side they wanted to be on.
Cirque du Soleil 'Kooza' artists ready for Bay Area crowds

Jan 19, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Francine Brevetti |Ray Germain

Feature this: A steel ring 6 feet across spins several feet above the ground. Beside it is a twin steel ring, and they rotate around each other. Now add this: Each ring has a track inside — not unlike a mammoth hamster wheel — and a sinewy performer runs on the track in each ring. At one point, one of the artists leaps out of the inner wheel and races on top of it as it spins and rotates around the other ring. Are you reaching for your Dramamine yet?
Photos: Sun shines on Frozen Buns

Jan 2, 2024 | localnewsmatters.org | Ray Germain

Skiers braving the cold water of Franks Tract on New Year’s Day provided all of the fun and entertainment needed for spectators to start 2024. The 44th Annual Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island brought many first timers willing to brave the 53.5º water including Angel Ruiz who has lived on Bethel Island for eight years. Ruiz who doesn’t ski cold water, wanted to make his island residency official and did so in a Christmas onesie staying on top of the water for his entire run.
In photos: San Francisco Bay Area’s 2023 journey from storms to celebrations

Dec 29, 2023 | piedmontexedra.com | Ray Germain

The year 2023 literally stormed into the Bay Area and outlying counties, with people popping umbrellas and shoveling sand. Though the needed rain also white capped our mountains, it gave us enough breaks to get out and recreate. Stockton, home of the Stockton Kings (the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate), celebrated the team’s playoff berth. Pinball was played, cosplayers gathered, gardens were grown and Top Fuel drivers made the fastest runs at Sonoma.