Contra Costa Herald

Poor choices behind the wheel result in tragedy on California’s roadways

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The results of the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) recent Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) are a sobering reminder of the consequences resulting from unsafe driving behaviors.

Sixty-eight people were killed in crashes throughout the state during the Independence Day MEP, which began at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.  Tragically, nearly half of the total number of vehicle occupants who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

With unsafe speed being the number one contributor to crashes in California, the CHP placed a special emphasis on its enforcement during the recent MEP.  CHP officers issued more than 9,700 speed citations throughout the long Independence Day weekend.

Additionally, impaired drivers were removed from California’s roadways at an alarming rate during the holiday enforcement effort.  CHP officers made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence, which is an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

“The results of this MEP are concerning and reinforce the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “All of these deaths were preventable, and the loved ones they leave behind will be forever impacted.  Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and these statistics show us how much work there is still to be done.  The CHP is committed to making California’s roadways safer for all who use them.”

To help protect those who are traveling on California’s roadways during the holidays, the CHP implements six MEPs per year.  The next MEP is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.  Throughout the holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the Department will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.

Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by buckling up, driving at a speed safe for conditions, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always designating a sober driver.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Enjoy parks safely and responsibly; no fireworks allowed in Regional Parks

The East Bay Regional Park District is urging Fourth of July visitors to enjoy parks safely and responsibly.

The Fourth of July holiday is typically one of the busiest days of the year for Regional Parks. Some of our more popular parks and swim areas are expected to reach capacity early in the day. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. Parking lots may become full, though there are many Regional Park options to consider.

When visiting a Regional Park on the Fourth of July, visitors should know and follow these important tips and rules.

• NO Fireworks – Fireworks are not allowed in Regional Parks.
• Stay Cool and Hydrated – Plan ahead and bring plenty of water.
• Beat the Heat – With hot weather, visit in the morning and early evening when it is cooler. If you do venture out, wear a hat and loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Drink Responsibly – Drinking alcohol is only allowed at certain Regional Parks. Check www.ebparks.org/parks before you go.
• Follow Water Safety Rules if Swimming – Free loaner life jackets are available at all East Bay Regional Park District swim facilities as an extra safeguard for anyone concerned about their swimming abilities or their children.
• Be Fire Smart – Be aware of Red Flag warnings, fire danger levels, and fire safety rules. www.ebparks.org/public-safety/fire/fire-danger-levels-restrictions.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

By City of Pinole

The City of Pinole will not be hosting fireworks this year.

We encourage residents to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, celebrating the birth of our exceptional nation. Families and friends often gather to recognize this special day together.

For a number of years, until 2010, the City hosted a fireworks display at Bayfront Park on Fourth of July. The City had been hoping to again host fireworks on Fourth of July in 2023. After collaborating with partner agencies to assess Bayfront Park and other sites, it was determined that there is no safe and accessible site in Pinole from which to launch fireworks. Since Pinole last held fireworks, fireworks safety standards and practices have evolved and concern about wildfires has increased substantially.

For those who would like to see fireworks, below is a list of events in Pinole’s neighboring cities.

3rd of July Fireworks

Richmond: Richmond Marina Bay Park, fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Antioch: Fireworks in downtown Antioch over the San Joaquin River, start at after dusk

Concord: Mt. Diablo High School, at around 9 p.m.

Hercules: Bayfront Blvd, the show will start once it’s dark

Pleasant Hill: College Park High School fields, fireworks around 8:45 p.m.

The Pleasant Hill Independence Day Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th begins with a 5K Run and Walk and Kids 100-Yard Dash, downtown parade, Party in the Park with live music, food and fun for the kids in Pleasant Hill Park and fireworks.

The 2023 19th Annual Firecracker 5K Run and Walk is a fundraising benefit for Pleasant Hill schools. The run has raised over $200,000 and continues to grow each year.  Prizes for the top finishers. So, gather up the family, dress-up in your best patriotic gear, and come out for a run!

7:45am – 100-Yard Dash

100 Yard Dash will be run on Crescent Drive. FREE (7 years and younger – DOES NOT INCLUDE RACE T-SHIRT)

8:00 am – 5K Race

5K – $40 Per Person + Firecracker T-Shirt ($50 after June 23rd)

Be sure to arrive early!  Race starts at 8am sharp!

It’s 3 laps around Downtown Pleasant Hill. To ensure that it is an official 5K, the starting line is on Gregory Lane next to Bed, Bath, & Beyond. $100 gift certificates will be awarded to the top male and female 5K runners.

9:30–10:30am – Downtown Parade

Come to Downtown Pleasant Hill and see the World Famous Pleasant Hill Parade! Bring your friends and family to enjoy an old fashioned parade through Downtown featuring, music, local organizations, and community leaders.

10:30am–1:30pm – Party in the Park 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

After the parade ends, walk over to Pleasant Hill Park for live music by the New Frantics, food, and fun for the kids including 2 slides and 3 inflatable houses.

11:30am – National Anthem

8:45pm – Fireworks

Viewing party at College Park High School this year. $4 or MORE (per person) is the suggested donation. Fields open at 6:30pm. CASH OR VENMO ACCEPTED

NO ONE MAY LEAVE THE CPHS FIELDS DURING THE FIREWORKS SHOW

VIKING DRIVE NEXT TO CPHS WILL BE SHUT DOWN TO ALL TRAFFIC!

Come to College Park High School to view the best fireworks show in the Bay Area! The fireworks show is presented by Pyro Spectacular!

From Pleasant Hill Police Department

This coming Tuesday, the City of Pleasant Hill will be celebrating the 4th of July with a parade in the morning and a fireworks display in the evening. Another post will be coming soon to discuss the parade route in detail, but today – let us talk about the FIREWORKS DISPLAY!

To accommodate our fireworks event, the Pleasant Hill Police Department will be conducting road closures, detours, and lane changes around the fireworks launch site. As the fireworks event will be held at College Park High School, Viking Drive will be closed to traffic between Norse Dr and Ruth Dr prior to and after the display.

Other areas that will be subject to detours/lane changes include: Taylor Blvd at Civic Dr, Taylor Blvd at Norse Dr, Taylor Blvd at Mercury Way, Norse Dr at Civic Dr, Norse Dr at Viking Dr, Viking Dr at Morello Ave, and Viking Dr at Ruth Dr. An image showing these cross-sections is included, to give you a visual idea about the impacted areas. Keep in mind, if you are entering or driving through this part of Pleasant Hill on the night of July 4th (especially between 8pm – 11pm); expect heavier traffic, detours and delays.

The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15pm. Road closures/detours can be expected at least 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the display. Spectators and vehicles will be withheld from entering the surrounding areas immediately following the show until the Fire Inspector has cleared the area. Spectators on foot may not be able to exit the event the same way they entered (through the fallout zone) until cleared by the Fire Inspector – but there will be alternate exits available. It is anticipated that traffic should return to normal near 11:00pm.

Thank you everyone!

For more information visit Pleasant Hill 4th of July (phjuly4.com).

It’s almost time for the 4th of July and that means time to celebrate. Join us for a FREE Fireworks Celebration this July 4th, at the Bayfront in Hercules. The show will start once it’s dark. Estimated time is 9:25p (give or take).

There will be food trucks down at the Bayfront. Parking will be limited. We recommend parking further out and walking down. Bring your blanket or chairs and join us for a fun celebration.

4th of July Fireworks Show – Bayfront Blvd., Hercules

Clayton’s 2023 Fourth of July Parade

Clayton’s famous 4th of July Parade and celebration is here. Let’s celebrate our great community and country together as well as enjoy our local time-honored tradition. We want the Parade to be the best ever and enjoyable for all.

Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center Street, Clayton

This year’s parade theme is ‘Independence Day – The Clayton Way’.

Parade: 10 a.m. on Main Street.

Kiddie Parade – There is no limitation on the number of kids who may march, no registration required for Kiddie Parade (children, bicycles, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, wagons, strollers, small kids’ battery motorized play vehicles). Kids just line up along Oak Street.

Main Parade follows.

“I want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! I hope to see you at the parade tomorrow! All the best,” Bret Prebula, Clayton City Manager

The #CityofMartinez invites you to enjoy its Independence Day celebrations tomorrow, July 4!

Flag Raising Ceremony: 9 AM at the Veterans Memorial Building

Fourth of July Parade: 10 AM on Main Street

Martinez Fireworks Show: 9 PM at the Martinez Marina

Learn more about Martinez’s Fourth of July festivities by visiting: https://bit.ly/3xTGkVC

En Español

¡La #CiudadDeMartinez te invita a disfrutar de sus celebraciones del Día de la Independencia mañana, 4 de julio!

Ceremonia de izamiento de la bandera: 9 AM en el Veteran’s Memorial Building

Desfile del Cuatro de Julio: 10 AM en Main Street

Espectáculo de fuegos artificiales Martínez: 9 PM en la Marina Martinez

Obtenga más información sobre las festividades del Cuatro de Julio de Martinez visitando: https://bit.ly/3xTGkVC

The 2023 Concord July 4th 5K & Kids Fun Run, Parade, Festival and Firework presented by Marathon is going to be a day filled with fun. The day begins down at Todos Santos Park at 8am with a kid’s fun run & 5k along with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, at 10 am will be the 32nd Annual Independence Day Parade, then at 4pm at Mt. Diablo High School the gates will open for our Festival that will include Live Music, a Kids Carnival, local food, and vendor booths. Finally, at 9pm will be a Fireworks Spectacular over Concord. Presented by the Todos Santos Business Association Arts Foundation.

All the days information can be found at www.concordjuly4th.com

Festival & Fireworks Event Notes: No Smoking, No Dogs, No Alcohol. Bags will be checked by security upon entry.

Schedule

Events at Todos Santos Plaza
8:00 am – Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run
8:00 am – Rotary Pancake Breakfast
8:15 am – Stars & Stripes 5k Run & Walk
10:00 am – Independance Day Parade
Events at Mt. Diablo High School
4:00 PM – Festival Gates Open
9:00 PM – Fireworks over Concord

All the day’s information can be found at www.concordjuly4th.com

Thank you to your sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Marathon

Stripes Sponsor: Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottleshop

Stars Sponsor: Pacific Service Credit Union, Johnmuirhealth, AssetMark, Inc.

Blue Sponsors: Brenden Theatres Concord 14, IBEW Local 302, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104

Special Thanks to: City of Concord, California, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Visit Concord, CA, Greater Concord CA Chamber of Commerce, Tim McGallian & Carlyn Obringer

4th of July Parade and 5K Run/Walk Road Closures

There will be several road closures in place and restricted street parking during the morning hours of July 4th to accommodate the Concord Police Association’s Stars and Stripes 5k Run and Walk and the Concord Independence Day Parade.

Several streets will be closed from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. for the Concord Police Association’s Stars and Stripes 5k Run and Walk. The following road closures will be in place:

• Grant Street from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street.
• Colfax Street from Willow Pass Road to the parking garage entrance
• East Street from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street
• Port Chicago Highway from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street
• Salvio Street from Mt Diablo Street in the downtown area to Esperanza Drive
• Beach Street, Parkside Circle and Parkside Drive from Salvio Street to Baldwin Park
• Cedar, Date, Elm, Fir and Pacheco Streets south of Baldwin Park will be open but affected due to the run route
• Esperanza Drive from Salvio Street to N. Sixth Street
• Bonifacio Street from N. Sixth St to Port Chicago Highway
• Erie Drive between Esperanza Drive and Claudia Drive
• Claudia Drive between Erie Drive and N. Sixth Street
• N. Sixth Street between Claudia Drive and Port Chicago Highway will remain open

The most significant closure for the 5K run will be on Salvio Street between Port Chicago Highway and Mt Diablo Street as participants of all abilities are completing the race. Other streets in the immediate area will be impacted. Many of the above closures will be very brief. The Concord Police Association will have volunteers monitoring the course and will work to accommodate residents and business owners within the closure.

At 9:30 a.m. personnel will set up for the Annual 4th of July Parade. The Parade will start at Mt Diablo High School and proceed toward downtown via Grant Street. The procession will make a right turn onto Willow Pass Road then a right turn onto Mt Diablo Street, heading back to the high school. Streets in the immediate area of the parade route will be closed.

Those arriving for the parade during the 5K Run/Walk are encouraged to park in the parking garage at the intersection of Pacheco Street and Concord Avenue by accessing it from the Pacheco Street side.

The parking garage near Concord Avenue will have the Pacheco Street entrance available all day for entrance only and the Salvio Street side for exit only. The parking garage near Colfax Street will have the Colfax Street side open for entrance and exit all day.

Please enjoy your 4th of July safely!

Plan on spending your Independence Day in Civic Park, with a 6:00 p.m. free concert. The Walnut Creek Concert Band will play all the classics. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy an evening of music and fun. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District wants to remind everyone that all fireworks, even sparklers, are illegal throughout the County. There are professional displays in some communities where fireworks can be viewed.

“Happy (early) Independence Day! In Walnut Creek, that means the traditional concert in the park from the Walnut Creek Concert Band,” writes City Manager Dan Buckshi. “I hope you’ll come out, Tuesday to Civic Park. The concert begins at 6:00 p.m. There will be plenty of chairs for visitors, but you’re also welcome to bring a blanket and a picnic as well.

This is one of the Concert Band’s biggest annual events, and the weather should be perfect for an evening of entertainment. It’s a great way to kick off the summer.”

The Town of Moraga is excited to resume its beloved July 4th traditions and honor the Independence Day Holiday with its iconic Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks display.

The Celebration takes place at Moraga Commons Park – 1425 St. Mary’s Road. The event kicks off at 11:00 am with a day full of family-oriented activities and concludes with a spectacular firework display at 9:30 pm.

Thank you to the community groups and sponsors who have partnered with the Town to ensure a spectacular event for all.

• Moraga Park Foundation – Concert Sponsor
• Kiwanis Club – Inflatable Jumpies
• Lions Club –Wine and Beer Service
• Kiwanis and Lions Club – Food Service