"Visions Toward Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland 1890-1900," includes of historical photographs and archival materials.  

The intense congressional fight to delay Medicare reimbursement cuts to doctors of nearly 10.6 percent while reducing payments to private insurers continued in Washington, even as today's deadline neared.  

My heart started thumping when my parents told us we were going to Lebanon. They were beaming with excitement — my dad hasn't gone back to his homeland in nearly 20 years and it has been 14 years since my mom and I went there.  

Indeed, the Party at Pat's, the annual summer fundraiser for the Blackhawk Museum's children's education and transportation fund, was very East Egg. It could have come straight from the pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald's romanticized epic, and it was wildly successful.  

I'VE WORKED in San Francisco for more than 11/2 years now, and despite the commute, noise and panhandlers, I've found the city inspiring. It's not just its sparkling beauty (when the fog finally clears).  

From hot air balloons early this morning to fireworks at Tracy High School tonight, there's a lot to do today to celebrate Independence Day. And don't forget the parade on Central Avenue that starts at 9 a.m.  

I saw a sad sight the other day: a 3-year-old in a stroller, clinging to her blanket and staring vacantly at the passing scenery while her mother, pushing the stroller, chatted on her cell phone.  

THERE'S A tendency out there to focus on the bad news of the day to the point of magnifying it so much that any perspective is quickly lost, if it was ever there at all.  

With voters deciding the slate backed by the Independent newspaper and Friends of Livermore is group they want representing them, it's likely that the votes are there for a bold and risky step. What was originally billed as a 50-50 partnership between the city and the non-profit performing arts group, now has the city covering 75 percent of the construction and financing costs.  

Let's have a show of hands. How many of you have ever fallen asleep at work? Have you dozed off at your desk? Momentarily lost consciousness while your boss droned on and on at a meeting?  

This is one man's protest against the oil companies, who are raking in billions of dollars in profits while gouging Joe and Jane Consumer at the gas pump.  

WHILE PUTTERING along Interstate 405 between Los Angeles International Airport and Westwood, you have a chance to notice what you wouldn't notice if the traffic flowed.  

Pets are great companions, and owning one certainly has many physical and mental health benefits. Most people, especially parents, worry too much about getting diseases from animals.  

Talking on the phone while driving -- especially with kids in the car -- has never been my strong point. I therefore assumed that the new hands-free wireless phone laws, which go into effect Tuesday, would not impact my life much.  

SAM FUJII, a graduate of Moreau Catholic High School, has just returned from his freshman year at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn. Armed with the skills he learned as a member of the Moreau Catholic High School Concert Choir and the Golden Gate Boys Choir, Sam has been a student staff  

IMAGINE for a moment that you're the mayor of Oakland and that you've discovered that the city administrator has been accused of involving herself in an ongoing police investigation that centered on one of her relatives.  

NO DOUBT, being the commissioner of the NBA is a whole lot more difficult than running a fantasy league. The eight-figure salary would indicate that.But make no mistake about it: We know more about trades — which to rubber-stamp, which to veto — than David Stern.  

Gus Ruelas

No matter how hard you or Chris Mullin or Don Nelson might wish, Ellis is not a point guard.

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Nadal looks like one of the two best on Wimbledon's grass, if not the best, in dismissing Scottish rival in men's quarterfinals.  

East Bay product's role in helping the Celtics to the NBA title brings pride to a former coach and an ex-teammate  

IF YOU HEAR a bit of snoring along Wall Street, it could be flowing from the nostrils of some sleeping giants, big stocks that are down, but not completely out, and could be good purchases before they wake up and start kicking up their earnings and prices.  

In the face of the stock market's gloom, it may be refreshing to learn that things look good over here on the sunny side of the street. "The market climbs on a wall of worry," is a common phrase on Wall Street.  

The Fourth of July is no picnic for our pets. Here are some handy tips to make it safe.  

I'M OK with babies. I mean, I don't want to possess one or anything, but they're nice for other people to have. (Except maybe for teens in Gloucester, Mass.  

Kirstina Sangsahachart / Mercury News

Have you been to Paolo's Restaurant in downtown San Jose? Read Aleta Watson's review, then contribute your own thoughts about the restaurant. Please include your full name and city. We will print a selection of comments in the July 13 LifeStyle section.  

The TV Academy could use some helpful advice on what should get nominated. Example: HBO's "The Wire."  

New S.F. Mime Troupe show ponders what would happen if election result came down to a single town  

I have to apologize to Activision. "Guitar Hero: On Tour" is better than I thought it would be.When I first heard about the franchise's move to the Nintendo DS, my response was, "Why?  

A lesser-known work by the famed composer gets the spotlight in new production