Flossie Lewis

Moments of Truth

Twice a year, roughly coinciding with the summer and winter solstices, The Monthly offers local writers a chance to submit their personal essays—and readers a chance to savor the cream of the crop. In this, our Winter 2010 essay issue, we are pleased to publish seven compelling essays on the subject of one significant moment. Inspired by tumors, ghosts, sexual straying, pastries (yes, pastries) and more, these literary snapshots capture instants that forever shifted lives.

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Faces of the East Bay

In the Philanthropic Swim

In the Philanthropic Swim

Rockridge residents John Bliss and Kim Thompson may live far removed the gritty flats of East and West Oakland. But this philanthropic couple see themselves as one with the citizens of Oakland, particularly those who are struggling financially, and they’re leading a campaign to get their “financially blessed” peers to invest in the community like they have by funding city programs to teach kids how to swim.