Closer to Home

Four weekend-worthy cooking schools that are just a short drive away.

Applewood Inn Russian River
From Bellwether Farms Ricotta to Roshambo Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County is everywhere at the Applewood Inn's new cooking school, La Buona Forchetta. Chef Brian Gerritsen teaches in a homey, state-of-the-art kitchen lined with innkeeper Darryl Notter's housemade preserves. At one summertime class, squash picked from the inn's garden is quickly grilled, and ripe tomatoes are made into a sauce to accompany fresh pasta sheets. In autumn, just-picked Gravenstein apples will turn up in cider ice cream and a warm compote. After you've chopped all day and wined and dined the night away, it's not a bad idea to stay in one of the inn's quiet, fireplace-warmed rooms. After all, what's wrong with a little vacation after a hard day's work?

FEATURE

Gone

Our recent story about teen suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge has generated a sometimes heated debate. In the last four years, 16 young people have climbed over the rail and jumped. These kids weren’t crazy. They were in the throes of painful—and impulsive—adolescence. Then, suddenly, they were gone.

Suicide hotlines and resources

If you or someone you know might be contemplating suicide, contact the following resources.

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK

The best investment advice you'll never get

For 35 years, Bay Area finance revolutionaries have been pushing a personal investing strategy that brokers despise and hope you ignore.

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK

Do you want a 20-second warning?

If we adopted UC Berkeley seismologist Richard Allen’s breakthrough earthquake alarm system, your cell phone and laptop could alert you to the Big One before the shaking begins. Tell that to the powers that be.