Contra Costa Herald

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

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.