Best known for her book "Plain and Simple: A Woman’s Journey to the Amish," Bender was also a family therapist who started an in-home art gallery and a Berkeley institute focused on helping people find their true calling.
Shop Talk: Paraíso Plant Studio moves into former Market Hall space; American Giant, Vans close on Fourth Street
Also: D.C. Piano moves into a larger space on University Avenue and Worthy Self Care Studio expands in the Elmwood, opening a new concept "movement studio."
New owners of Sequoia Diner vow to preserve what customers ‘already love’
New owners are expected to take over Sequoia Diner in February 2026. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/newspack-berkeleyside-cityside.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BreakfastSando-Sequoia-Lapan.jpg?fit=360%2C283&ssl=1"…
How I relearned to love Berkeley as a blind person
The author, Dirk Neyhart, at his home in north Berkeley. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/newspack-berkeleyside-cityside.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Dirk-Neyhart_As-Told_Sara-Martin-5.jpg?fit=360%2C240&ssl=1"…
Gun violence in Berkeley has plummeted. They helped make it happen
Live Free team members (from left, Ben Knight, credible messenger; Kentrell Killens, field services director; Twin Damaria Johnson, life coach and outreach worker; Abdul Wayne, credible messenger; Todd Walker, life coach and outreach…