The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating is in parentheses.  

East Bay programs hope to avoid cutbacks even though some volunteer drivers have quit  

Gary Reyes/Mercury News

San Jose family's love of hockey meets synthetic ice, and a backyard ice rink is born.  

Advice, resources and how-to tips on elder care for the Bay Area  

She was alone at first, the chair beside hers empty, and I noticed her with a whistle-down-the-Grim-Reaper start of recognition. How many times had I half-jokingly made my husband promise that if I was sick, dying, he would carry me to a warm sunny beach? Here, on Miami's South Beach, was my wish come to life.  

New York rabbinical students teach ancient traditions, encourage local Jewish people to establish synagogue  

The festival is also big on food consumption, fairground rides, a parade and more. Its Bavarian city host is filled with outdoor and historical charm.

• Slideshow: Images from Oktoberfest

 

Commuter: Last Monday, I drove to the Lafayette carpool pickup point about 7:30 a.m. The line was past the driveway entrance into the upper lot, and extended toward the exit from the drop-off lane in front of the BART entrance.  

Let a little Cha Cha Cha dance into your heart  

Q: I had a pet cat who had to be put to sleep a month ago. I had her for 10 years and I'm 15, so that's two-thirds of my life. She was very important to me, and I'm still grieving.  

Saran Wrap and Barry White Night are two suggestions