East Contra Costa reporter

Hema Sivanandam

Hema Sivanandam is the East Contra Costa reporter for the Bay Area News Group. She relocated to the Bay Area in 2021 from Malaysia. Since 2009, Hema has built a career as a journalist and writer, reporting on politics, parliamentary proceedings, social and community issues. She holds a Communications degree from Curtin University in Australia and a certificate in Promotional Marketing from Bellevue College in Washington.

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts will present “A Beautiful Noise — The Neil Diamond Musical” from Dec. 30 through Jan. 4. (photo courtesy of Jeremy Daniel)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 26 weekly editions

December 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

The new owners and operators of Mac's Old House, a well-known restaurant in Antioch, Calif., that closed in June 2025, will reopen in 2026. The new owners, Joe Martinez (left in red) and Ron Harrison (middle in brown jacket) aim to reopen the restaurant in 2026. It will be operated by Sheri Vallero (2nd from left) and her children, Terriane Reed (in black) and Roger Born (extreme right), who have experience in the food industry. (Hema Sivanandam/Bay Area News Group)

Mac’s Old House in Antioch to reopen in 2026

December 18, 2025 at 4:53 p.m.

Mac's Old House, a beloved restaurant in Antioch which closed in June this year will reopen in 2026. New owners Joe Martinez and Ron Harrison plan to revamp the restaurant...

Oakley names new mayor, vice mayor

December 18, 2025 at 10:19 a.m.

Oakley appointed Hugh Henderson as its next mayor while councilmember Aaron Meadows will serve as the vice mayor.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton (fourth from left in pink) flanked by other officials at the opening of the new office at 3890 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, Calif., on Dec. 15, 2025. (Photo by Glenn Kimball, courtesy of Contra Costa County District Attorney's office)

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office establishes presence in Pittsburg

December 17, 2025 at 4:15 a.m.

East County residents now have easier access to prosecutorial services with the opening of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office in Pittsburg, bringing justice closer to the people.

A file photo of Dave Koz, who will be performing in the "Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour" alongside other musicians and artists on Dec 21 at San Jose. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 19 weekly editions

December 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Yolanda Ramirez, 72, died at a hospital days after suffering a brain bleed in the back of a Brentwood police patrol car. (Photo courtesy of Ramirez family)

Contra Costa DA’s office looking into death of Yolanda Ramirez after arrest by police

December 14, 2025 at 7:49 a.m.

Ramirez’s family is also looking to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and the officers involved, with claims of wrongful death, failure to provide medical care, elderly...

The Nunn-Paulsen inholding donated by Bob Nunn in memory of his father, Ron Nunn. (Photo by Cooper Ogden, provided by Save Mount Diablo).

Donation saves part of Mount Diablo from future development

December 11, 2025 at 4:42 p.m.

The 5-acre parcel was donated to conservation group Save Mount Diablo by Bob Nunn in memory of his late father, Ron.

Customers enjoy their dinner during the last day of the Walnut Creek Yacht Club restaurant in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Almost 30 years since the Walnut Creek Yacht Club opened, chef-owner Kevin Weinberg and co-owner Ellen McCarty say it's just time to close and want to enjoy retirement. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

12 long-lived Bay Area restaurants we said goodbye to in 2025

December 12, 2025 at 5:06 a.m.

The establishments we pay tribute to here had been landmarks for years, even generations.

In San Jose, watch comedians Hasan Minhaj, above, and Ronny Chieng face off Dec. 17-18 in “Hasan Hates Ronny — Ronny Hates Hasan,” a no-holds-barred debate about each other, their family trees and the country. (Cliff Owen — Associated Press archives)

Bay Area events calendar for Dec. 12-18 weekly editions

December 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a list of the region's entertaining, upcoming activities to enjoy.

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, March 4, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Cal State East Bay receives $50 million donation from MacKenzie Scott

December 8, 2025 at 4:09 a.m.

HAYWARD – California State University East Bay received a surprise this holiday season from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott: "a record-breaking” $50 million gift. The largest single donation in the institution’s...

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