Contra Costa Herald

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

Plus, Flag Raising, Fun Run for a Reason, Library Book Sale and Music in the Park

The Orinda Association presents the 2023 July 4th Celebration with the theme of Earth Kindness.

Join us at the Best Hometown Parade. Thank you to our generous sponsors. For more information: https://orindaassociation.org/4th-of-july-parade.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Shane Golobic takes his spot on top of the Sprint Car Challenge podium with Justin Sanders pictured on the right and Chase Johnson on the left. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Pittsburg’s Baugh wins Hobby Stock Main Event

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 1…Shane Golobic of Fremont won the 35 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the return of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour to the Speedway for the first time in several seasons. Among the many accomplishments for Golobic is a win in a World of Outlaws race at Antioch Speedway back in 2013.

Shane Golobic #17w drove the Matt Wood owned sprinter to victory in the Sprint Car Challenge race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Justin Sanders of Aromas set the early pace ahead of Penngrove’s Chase Johnson and Golobic. Following a yellow flag on Lap 5, Johnson put the moves on Sanders to take the lead. Golobic slipped past Sanders for second on the 10th lap with a yellow flag waving on Lap 15. Johnson continued to lead Golobic on the restart. Following a yellow flag on Lap 22, Golobic started pressuring Johnson for the lead on the restart. A yellow flag waved a lap later. This time around, however, Golobic managed to get a good restart and slipped past Johnson for the lead. Golobic led through one more yellow flag in the final 10 laps to bring home the victory. Johnson settled for second ahead of Sanders, series point leader Justyn Cox of Sacramento and Tanner Carrick of Lincoln.

Jared Baugh #07 picked up his first win of the season in the Hobby Stock division. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won the 25 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. This was his first win of the year after Kenneth Robles had driven his car to a win a few weeks earlier.

Aidan Ponciano of Oakley set the early pace ahead of point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Jewell Crandall of Antioch. A yellow flag waved for Trent Golden of Pittsburg in Turn 4 on Lap 8. The restart saw Ponciano leading with Baugh charging into second. Baugh began pressuring Ponciano before making a low pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap to take the lead. The 17th lap saw both second place Ponciano and third place Baca head for the pits as a yellow flag flew moments later. Baugh led the restart as Kevin Brown of Oakley started challenging Crandall for second. Crandall maintained her spot, and Brown surrendered third to Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 23. Baugh brought it home a happy winner with Crandall a career best second. Johns beat Brown back to the line for third as James Graessle of Antioch ended up fifth.

Racing continues next Saturday night with the Eighth Annual Hetrick Memorial race. Purse money was just announced with the IMCA Modifieds racing for $1,250 to win, the IMCA Sport Modifieds receiving $1,000 to win and the IMCA Stock Cars competing for $500 for the victory. With the Wingless Spec Sprints also on the card, this will be a show you won’t want to miss. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – Saturday, July 1, 2023

Sprint Car Challenge

FT-Dominic Scelzi 13.048. Heat Winners (10 laps)-Kaleb Montgomery, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Mitchell Faccinto. Trophy Dash (6 laps)-Justin Sanders. Main Event (35 laps)-Shane Golobic, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Justyn Cox, Tanner Carrick, Kaleb Montgomery, Sean Becker, Dylan Bloomfield, Chance Grasty, Brad Bumgarner.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns, Kevin Brown, James Graessle, Aidan Ponciano, Grayson Baca, Jess Paladino, Colten Haney, Trent Golden.

Fan Appreciation Night August 5

Plan to join us for Fan Appreciation Night on August 5th, which is going to be just $5 admission for everybody. The night will include giveaways and all kinds of fun stuff. Hall of Fame racer Ron Brown instigated this, and it’s going to be a good night for the track.

By City of San Ramon

The San Ramon Fourth of July Celebration Concert will feature The Boys of Summer, an Eagles Tribute Band, and a celebration of the City of San Ramon’s 40th Anniversary. The concert will take place tomorrow in San Ramon’s Central Park Amphitheater at 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, from 5–8 p.m.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a reading by the San Ramon Poet Laureate, followed by patriotic music performed by Olympia Fields, the brass section of the San Ramon Symphonic Band, followed by a salute and recognition of our Veterans and active-duty military personnel, and the singing of the National Anthem by San Ramon resident Sofie Donati. The headliner, The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, will take the stage at 6 p.m. and entertain the crowd with The Eagles’ greatest hits.

Additionally, food will be available for purchase from sweet and savory food truck vendors. The San Ramon Arts Foundation will have wine, beer, soda, and water available for purchase. Shade structures, tents, and umbrellas will only be permitted at the top of the ridge/hill to ensure lines of site remain open.

Local tax base increases by almost $15 billion, to over $267 billion

Oakley, Antioch, Lafayette had greatest increases, San Pablo, San Ramon and Hercules had the lowest

By Allen D. Payton

Just in time for Independence Day, when Americans celebrate our victory over the British in the battle against King George III and his onerous taxes, the “2023-2024 Assessor’s Close of Roll Affidavit” was signed by Assessor Gus S. Kramer and subscribed and sworn to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, on June 30. The 2023-2024 Assessment Roll has been delivered to the County Auditor, as required by law.

The increase to the local tax base for 2023-2024 is over $14.96 billion. This represents a 5.94% increase in assessed value and brings the total net local assessment roll to more than $266.67 billion. The 2023-2024 assessment roll is the highest to date in Contra Costa County’s history.

Cities with the largest increases in assessed value include Antioch, Oakley and Lafayette with increases ranging up to 8.49%. San Pablo, San Ramon and Hercules saw the lowest assessed value increases ranging from 4.30% down to 3.86%.  The assessment roll now consists of 379,442 parcels, an increase of 1,202 over the previous year.

“I would like to acknowledge and commend the employees of the Assessor’s Office for their continued dedication and hard work which resulted in the completion and delivery of the 2023-2024 assessment roll,” Kramer wrote in his letter.

The Assessor’s annual letter to the Assessment Roll Reports can be found at: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/79697/2023-2024-BOS-Close-of-Assessment-Roll-Letter-and-Reports-to-the-CCC-Board-of-Supervisors?bidId= 

The report shows the total Secured Value of property in the county, which includes all the real estate, is now over $267.6 billion. The Unsecured Value is the business equipment which includes computers, desks, chairs and machinery, Kramer explained. That total is now almost $7.8 billion.

“Local Exemptions (which total almost $8.7 billion) are what churches and non-profits enjoy, as well as all the homeowners’ exemptions. That’s a $7,000 deduction you have to apply for which saves you about $70 a year on your property taxes,” he shared. “That’s something I’m livid with the legislature for not increasing. In Idaho the homeowners’ exemption is 50%. Prior to Prop 13 in California, it was 25% but the legislature has never adjusted it. It should have been indexed or something.”

Asked about the difference between the charts in the report of $1 billion in the total Secured Value Kramer said. “It’s less than one-third of one percent, but we know what it is and we’re working it out. We had to get the report in by the July 1 due date.”

To learn more about your property taxes visit Assessor | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website, call (925) 313-7400 or email customerservice@assr.cccounty.us.

Celebrating our Educators in Downtown Danville  

By Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

The Kiwanis-Danville Parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 from 9am-noon in downtown Danville, California.

This year’s parade theme is Celebrating our Educators and our Grand Marshal is Chavonta Edington, Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year.

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized and conducted the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in partnership with the Town of Danville since 1975. The parade attracts 30,000-40,000 spectators each year and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate America’s birth.

The parade is co-sponsored by the Town of Danville, supported by community groups such as the Aktion Club, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, National Charity League, and Boys Team Charity, and sponsored by local businesses and individuals (see our Sponsors page). All proceeds raised are redistributed to local nonprofits through grants issued by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation (see our Grants page).

PARADE DETAILS

Date & Time

The parade will begin at 9:00am on the morning of Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, and will run 2.5 to 3 hours.

Location

The Parade will take place along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard from approximately 9am to noon, starting at San Ramon Valley High School at Railroad Avenue. The Parade route will end at Town and Country Drive like last year. The parade can be seen from either side of the street and there is always plenty of room for everyone!

Seating

Sidewalk space is available for bring-your-own-seating on a first come, first served basis after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd. Unattended seating positioned along the route prior to 6:00 p.m. are subject to removal by the Town. Parade-goers are kindly asked to respect the following:

• Do not block handicap accessible ramps on the street corners or sidewalk access. Please be mindful of those who need to use the ramps as well as local merchants and property owners along the parade route. All unattended items set-out prior to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd are subject to removal. Please note that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, Town of Danville, and other organizing groups are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Chalk and tape may NOT be used to reserve seating along the parade route as it creates a mess and in no way reserves your space. Volunteers and/or Town Maintenance staff may remove these markings and materials as part of the sweep.
• Please be considerate. The downtown Danville area will be very crowded before, during, and after the parade. In addition to the above requests, everyone in attendance is asked to exercise patience, consideration, and common sense throughout the event and cooperate with one another so that all can see and enjoy this great annual tradition.

Parking

Parking is available at several municipal lots including:

• Clock Tower Parking Lot
• Danville Library/Community Center Parking Lot
• Front Street Municipal Parking Lot
• Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot
• Rose Street Parking Lot
• Village Theatre Parking Lot

Given the expected crowd size, parking in or near the downtown Danville area will be very limited and alternative travel arrangements such as walking or biking are strongly recommended. Parade-goers may consider parking at the Sycamore Park & Ride parking lot and use Iron Horse Trail to walk to the downtown Danville area. Accessible parking near the parade route is available at the Crossroads Shopping Center located at Hartz Way and San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the back by JD Academy Of Salon + Spa. Accessible seating along the parade route will be offered at the grandstand viewing area at Oak Court and San Ramon Valley Blvd. A golf cart shuttle will be available to transport individuals to the viewing area from the Crossroads Shopping Center.

Street Closures

The streets along and surrounding the parade route will close at approximately 6am on the day of the parade. Please arrive early and plan on parking on the outskirts of town and walking or biking to downtown Danville.

Tentatively, the following streets will be closed:

• Danville Boulevard between El Cerro Boulevard and Railroad Avenue
• Railroad Avenue between Hartz Avenue. and Love Lane
• La Gonda Way between El Cerro Boulevard and Danville Boulevard
• Prospect Avenue between Hartz Avenue and Front Street
• East Linda Mesa Avenue between Hartz Avenue and the Rose Street Parking Lot
• Hartz Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Hartz Way
• San Ramon Valley Boulevard between Hartz Way and Town and Country Drive
• Town and Country Drive between San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sheri Lane

Through traffic may utilize Danville Boulevard from north of El Cerro Boulevard and San Ramon Valley Boulevard south of Sycamore Valley Road West. The parking lots for Danville Town and Country, Danville Livery, and Sycamore Square will be open and accessible.

Animals

Due to noise, crowds, heat, the presence of young children, and nature of the event, we do not advise bringing non-service animals to the parade.

Refreshments

Some businesses in the downtown Danville area will be open during the parade and may offer food and beverages for purchase. Street vendors are not permitted. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring refreshments with them to the parade.

Per Town of Danville ordinances, consumption of alcohol in a non-designated area is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Promotional Items

Many parade entrants choose to distribute promotional items to parade-goers along the parade route. While we welcome this tradition, please note that parade entrants are only permitted to hand items out during the parade, and entrants are NOT PERMITTED to throw items under any circumstances. Spraying water is also strictly prohibited.

We ask members of the community to assist entrants in abiding by these important rules by not encouraging the throwing of items or spraying of water during the parade.

Public Safety

In addition to the safety tips provided throughout this page, the Danville Police Department requests the community’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activity: If you see something, say something.

Please report any suspicious activity to law enforcement personnel patrolling the parade route. If you cannot locate an officer and feel something constitutes a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately, call 911. If you feel what you are seeing does not need an immediate response, you can contact the Danville Police Department’s non-emergency number, (925) 820-2144.

For more information click here.

Fourth of July fireworks are back! Come celebrate from the best seats in the house on Marina Blvd. Fireworks begin at dusk (approximately 9pm).

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 12:09AM Oakley police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street at Charles Way for a traffic collision where a Toyota truck was completely rolled over. Our officers quickly arrived on scene and contacted the victims who were out of the vehicle and suffering injuries. Our officers started investigating the collision and determined a black sedan struck the victim vehicle and fled the location, which at face value is a violation of the California Vehicle Code, but when injuries are involved, these actions are classified as a felony offense. Our officers located the black sedan on nearby Babbe Street parked at the intersection of Martin Street. Our officers found three local men (aged 43, 43 & 28) near the vehicle and determined all three were associated with the vehicle and all three were intoxicated.

These three men were uncooperative with our investigation, but nonetheless our officers were able to determine they were not the driver of the black sedan and we continued to seek out the actual driver. The three men we were dealing with were all arrested for public intoxication and transported to the police department. While dealing with the three public intoxication suspects our officers were alerted the actual driver may have been walking on Main Street. Our officers responded to the area and located Jesus Leon-Lopez (55, local) and took him into custody before interviewing him and booking him into the main jail for felony hit and run.

“This investigation, and arrest, underscores the types of issues that never need to really rise to the level of criminal culpability. The largest issue facing the suspect in this case may very well be the mere fact he decided to not stop, as per the law, and cooperate with law-enforcement after a traffic collision with quite an egregious aftermath – to include injuries. When accidents happen, please just do the right thing, it will make your life much easier even when you are already going through a negative experience. Stay safe Oakley!”

By City of Brentwood

Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we kick off festivities with our Brentwood Classic July 4th Parade at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 4th! Splash at the Aquatic Complex at noon. Cool off at the Community Center or take a refreshing swim at the Liberty Pool. Enjoy food and live entertainment. Finally, be awed by the breathtaking drone show at 9:05 PM. It’ll be an incredible day of festivities for the whole family!

CHILDREN’S PARADE 9:30 AM

The Children’s Parade will begin at 9:30 AM, followed immediately by the main parade. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade. Children may dress up and use bicycles, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, wagons, strollers, and small battery-motorized play vehicles. The line begins at 1st and Birch Streets.

MAIN PARADE

The main parade will begin immediately following the Children’s Parade, traveling from the corner of 1st and Birch Street, turning right on Oak Street, and ending in front of the Community Center.

CARNIQUE 4:00 – 9:00 PM

At 4 PM, head downtown for the Brentwood Lions’ Club iconic Carnique presented by the City of Brentwood. Enjoy carnival games, delicious food, and a concert in the park.

The Brentwood Lion’s Club Carnique, presented by the City of Brentwood. Carnique was a combination BBQ/Carnival hosted by the Brentwood Lions Club for 35 years beginning in the late 1950’s. As we celebrate Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary, the Lions Club has generously allowed us to bring back this event to mark this important occasion.

CARNIVAL GAMES 4:00 – 7:00PM

18 classic carnival games for all ages will be located along Oak Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets. Tickets are $0.50 each or purchase an unlimited play wristband for $20. In the spirit of the original Carnique event which focused on fundraising, all proceeds from carnival game ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit groups volunteering to run the games.

FOOD VENDORS 4:00 – 9:00 PM

A wide assortment of food will be available for sale including BBQ, seafood, carnival favorites, desserts and international flavors to represent Brentwood’s diverse backgrounds. Portions of food sales will be donated to the Brentwood Lions Club and the Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. Tables and chairs will be available along Oak Street in front of City Park.

COMMUNITY CENTER 4:00 – 9:00 PM

The Community Center will be open for those who want to cool off, learn about activities and facilities, buy a limited-edition retro Brentwood shirt or hat, or check out the Community Highlights videos in the Main Hall.

RECREATION SWIM AT LIBERTY POOL

4:00 – 7:00 PM Come take a dip in the new Jack W. Ferrill Aquatic Center at Liberty High School. Swimming at the Liberty High School pool was a popular activity during the original Carnique event, and it remains a favorite way for many Brentwood residents to cool off, even today.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Get ready to rock in City Park! RagDolls will take the stage bringing Aerosmith’s iconic sound, energy, and stage presence.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT DRONE SHOW 9:05 PM

Presented by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, this one-of-a-kind experience will wrap up an incredible day of celebrating Independence Day in Brentwood. Several great viewing locations include City Park, downtown streets and the Liberty High School Football Field.

STREET CLOSURES FOR TUESDAY, 4TH OF JULY

Please be advised that during the upcoming 4th of July celebration, certain streets in the downtown area will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6:00 AM on July 4, 2023. Parking restrictions will be enforced.

Please anticipate traffic delays when heading downtown. We encourage residents to use alternative transportation options such as carpooling, walking, or biking.

Plus, 25th worldOne Festival Monday, July 3

By City of El Cerrito

We are excited to celebrate with the El Cerrito community and supporters once again on Tuesday, July 4 from 11am-5pm at Cerrito Vista Park, corner of Moeser Lane and Pomona Avenue.

The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department hosted the first co-sponsored 4th of July Festival with worldOne in 1998. Since then, the festival has grown into a world-class hometown institution featuring high quality musical performances, family entertainment such as rides and bounce houses, non-profits and civic organization booths, vendors and food booths and trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, plus, a Classic Car Showcase.

After a two-year hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Festival returned in summer 2022 thanks to the generous support of sponsors and individual donors. The City is committed to annual fundraising efforts to make sure the 4th of July Festival comes back year after year and remains fiscally sustainable and accessible to all.

Classic Car Showcase

The City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival Classic Car Showcase is the perfect place to show off your car! The showcase will be held from 11am to 2pm on Moeser Lane adjacent to Cerrito Vista Park. If you are interested in participating in the 2023 Classic Car Showcase, please note the following information as you complete your application:

• Space is limited.
• Car Clubs must arrive together to park together, Spaces are first come, first served.
• Electricity is not available.
• Chairs and canopies will NOT be provided. You may bring your own.
• Vehicles must vacate the area by 4 pm.
• Once your application is received and accepted, there are no refunds. The event takes place rain or shine.

Completed application and payment of $5 are due by Monday, July 3, 2023. Day of registration not guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Parking

Limited ADA parking is available at the El Cerrito Community Center Parking Lot (7007 Moeser Lane)

Street Parking around the Festival Grounds (please note streets immediately surrounding Cerrito Vista Park will be closed)

Carpools strongly encouraged for those driving to the festival!

Bike Parking

FREE Bike Valet for those biking to the Festival hosted by the El Cerrito Strollers & Rollers and the ECHS Mountain Bike Team

For more information click here.