This Albany painter makes her living by immortalizing man’s best friend—regardless of breed—plus a few cats, too.

Montclair barber Rocky Becker, whose own sartorial style runs to Hells Angel chic and slicked-back hair, has handled some high-falutin’ heads—Raiders owner Al Davis was a longtime client—in his 50 years behind the chair.

We celebrate National Poetry Month by interviewing an Oakland poet about her passion for words. A longtime member of the impressive California Poets in the Schools program, Kaplan recalls penning her first poem—“the sky a swirl of stars”—and explains why every kid can (believe it or not) write poetry.