Melissa Swanson

Like a Virgin?

Cooks who use oil that’s labeled as “extra virgin” might be dismayed to learn that some brands blend in hazelnut oil and then dye the mixture with chlorophyll. Legitimate olive oil producers say “like a virgin” just isn’t good enough. They want to see federal guidelines in place.

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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.