Cover | Michèle Manning

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory (pastel). When the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory opened in Berkeley, Manning took a tour with her mother. As a chocoholic, it only took one taste of their semisweet chocolate—with its hint of cherries—and she was hooked. She considers this picture the dessert in her current café series. Prints are available in Scharffen Berger’s store as well as through her Web site, www.michelemanning.com, and at her studio, Strawberry Creek Design Center, 1250 Addison Street, Studio 211B, Berkeley. Manning will again be showing in booth #105 at the prestigious Sausalito Art Festival on Labor Day weekend. For information about the festival visit www.sausalitoartfestival.org. Contact the artist at (510) 644-2240.

Up Front | The Painter and the Poet
Gerson and Judith Goldhaber’s book of sonnets—inspired by Aesop’s Fables—is a colorful testament to successful collaboration: Judith wrote the poetry and astrophysicist Gerson made the watercolor illustrations. By Andrea Pflaumer

East Bay Life | Mainland Mahalo
Tiki culture, which blossomed in the postwar East Bay, is riding a new tide. Whether it’s the solemn statuary, the tropical drinks, or the island flora you crave, next to the islands this is the place to party. By Brian Kluepfel

First Person | The Fear Factor
A middle-aged mother urges her son on to greater heights in his rock-climbing class and realizes she could use a physical challenge herself. By Kathy Briccetti

First Person | Heart of Glass
A father is reminded of a treasured vase his mother kept on a living room coffee table—well within range of footballs and running children—when reflecting on his young adult daughter and the trust he has in her. By Ransom Stephens

Shopping Around | Helping Hands
More than just improving your game, the services of a coach can help identify goals toward living a more fulfilling life. By Rachel Sarah

The Kilduff File | Dean Karnazes
How pizza helps the ultra marathon man go the distance. By Paul Kilduff