Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Pittsburg Police Officers Association raising funds for injured cop shot by detainee

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Source: PORAC

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Pittsburg Police Officers Association Facebook page last week, they announced that a Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund A Hero account has been established to raise funds to help one of their own who was shot inside the police station by a detainee earlier this month. (See related articles here and here)

Then, over the weekend on PORAC’s Facebook page it was also announced: “Pittsburg Police Officer Jimmy Sanchez was seriously injured in the line of duty on September 3. His courageous actions helped protect fellow officers and prevent further harm. Stand with Officer Sanchez and his family. Donate to his Fund A Hero here: https://porac.org/fundraiser/pittsburgpoa_officerjimmysanchez/ .”

More was shared both on that website and the Pittsburg POA’s Facebook page offering more details, most of which had previously been reported.

They wrote, “On Thursday, September 3, Officer Jimmy Sanchez of the Pittsburg Police Department was seriously injured in the line of duty while protecting others and carrying out his duties as a police officer.

“Jimmy is a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department who has dedicated himself to serving the community and helping those around him. During this tragic incident, Jimmy was violently attacked by an armed suspect inside the department’s booking facility.

“Jimmy had approached the suspect after he requested water and said he was not feeling well. In an act that reflects the compassion and professionalism he brings to his work, Jimmy was simply attempting to check on the suspect’s welfare when he was suddenly ambushed.

“The suspect attacked Jimmy, striking him repeatedly with a firearm before firing a single round. “Jimmy suffered serious gunshot injuries, including a wound to his lower abdomen below his body armor.

“Despite being brutally beaten and shot, Jimmy refused to give up.

“He continued fighting and played a critical role in preventing the suspect from firing additional rounds. Jimmy’s actions gave responding officers the precious time they needed to enter the booking facility, disarm the suspect, and bring the attack to an end.

“Jimmy’s courage and determination undoubtedly saved lives that day.

“He was transported for emergency medical care and underwent surgery for his injuries. He is now recovering with his family, friends, and his Pittsburg Police Department family by his side.

“While Jimmy focuses on healing, his family is facing the difficult reality of caring for a loved one recovering from a traumatic line-of-duty injury while also caring for their 10-month-old baby. The physical and emotional challenges of this recovery are significant, and the last thing Jimmy and his family should have to worry about is the financial burden that accompanies an unexpected injury like this.

“Your support will help provide Jimmy and his family with meals and other essential expenses while they navigate his recovery. Every contribution, regardless of size, is an opportunity to show Jimmy and his family that they are not alone.

“The Pittsburg community, Jimmy’s fellow officers, friends, and countless others have already surrounded him with an incredible outpouring of support.

“Now, we ask you to stand with Jimmy and his family as he continues to fight to recover.

“Thank you for supporting Officer Jimmy Sanchez, his family, and the Pittsburg Police Department during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement mean more than words can express.”

———-

As of early Monday morning, Sept. 14th, a total of $10,975 had been raised.

According to the website, “100% of donation proceeds will go to the organizing PORAC Association to distribute to the individual and/or their family.”

21st Annual Swim Across America – SF Bay Area Open Water Swim Sept. 12

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Photo: Swim Across America

More than 500 swimmers, volunteers and supporters expected

Over $7 million raised by Bay Area Swim to support pediatric cancer research and survivorship programs at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals

By Jenifer Howard, Swim Across America – San Francisco

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 21st annual Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The iconic 1.5-mile point-to-point swim starts at Little Marina Green, 3650 Yacht Road, in San Francisco, and finishes in Aquatic Park. Swimmers, volunteers and kayakers are invited to participate and help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care supporting the swim’s beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco. Those who cannot participate in person can still make waves to fight cancer through SAA My Way, Swim Across America’s virtual option. To register, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Established in 2006, Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area has granted more than $7 million to support the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program. Each year, the charity swim brings together more than 500 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, along with Olympians and other special guests, for one of the Bay Area’s most memorable open water events.

“For 20 years, this community has shown what can happen when individuals take something they love — swimming — and turn it into a way to help families facing cancer,” said Laura Hovden, co-event director of Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area. “More than $7 million has gone directly to our local UCSF programs because swimmers, volunteers, kayakers, donors and teams keep showing up year after year. Our swim is about coming together, making waves and giving patients more hope and researchers more funds to make a difference.”

Few embody that commitment more than longtime swimmer, former San Francisco event director and three-time cancer survivor Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and one of this year’s leading fundraisers.

This year marks 49 years since Susan Helmrich’s first cancer diagnosis. She was just 21 years old when she was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her second cancer diagnosis came 28 years ago. In 2009, she faced cancer for a third time and underwent a 6½-hour Whipple procedure for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, followed by 23 days at Stanford Hospital.

Through it all, Susan has made raising money for cancer research a central part of her life. Throughout the years, Team Susan Survives has raised more than $1 million for local pediatric cancer research programs. As Susan approaches her 71st birthday, she has set an ambitious goal for this year: recruit 71 swimmers, kayakers, runners, cyclists, yogis, dancers, hikers, walkers and other supporters to Team Susan Survives and together raise $171,000 through the open water swim and SAA My Way.

“I am honored and proud to have survived cancer three times, and I want nothing more than to have anyone who ever gets a cancer diagnosis have the chance to live and survive as I have,” Susan said. “As the years go on, I realize that I am committed more than ever to raising money to help investigators, researchers, physicians and support services find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.”

Susan Helmrich is also swimming in memory of her mother, Edna Helmrich, who passed away in 2019 at age 92 and was herself a 53-year breast cancer survivor.

“She was my role model and my hero,” Susan said. “This year, I’m hoping that friends, old and new, from near and far will join me and Team Susan Survives to raise money for pediatric cancer research at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland.”

Another team entering the San Francisco Bay this year will be carrying the memory of someone deeply loved.

Team Batt Bunch, also known as KeckCrewSF, is captained by Mike Keck and will swim in honor and memory of Brian Batt, husband of Rene and father of swimmers Amelia and Sarah Batt. The team has participated in Swim Across America for many years, but its fight against cancer became profoundly personal when Brian was diagnosed with cancer.

Even while undergoing treatment, Brian remained determined to be there for his daughters. He scheduled his treatment so he could travel to England when Amelia and Sarah participated in an English Channel relay in 2022, where Amelia had the honor of touching France for the team, and again for their Loch Lomond swim in 2024. During treatment, Brian continued showing up at Aquatic Park to cheer the girls on during their training swims. Brian succumbed to cancer in the fall of 2025.

“Brian fought with strength, courage and dignity, and he kept showing up for his family through all of it,” Mike Keck said. “For years, we swam with Swim Across America to fight cancer. Then that fight became very real for our family and our team. Brian is missed terribly, but we will carry on just like he did, and we hope what we do can help spare other families from experiencing that same loss.”

The money raised by swimmers such as Helmrich, Keck and their teammates is already helping scientists at UCSF pursue promising new approaches to pediatric cancer.

Julie Saba, M.D., Ph.D., a UCSF pediatric oncologist, cancer researcher and director of the Swim Across America-supported research laboratory at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, leads research examining the genetic and metabolic drivers of childhood cancers. Her research team has identified important genetic drivers of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, and has shown that disrupting the gene’s activity can prevent neuroblastoma cells from forming tumors. This research could ultimately offer a new avenue for targeting cancers in which the AF1q gene plays a role. Swim Across America funding helped support this work.

Saba also leads the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Swimmers, now in its eighth year participating in the San Francisco event.

“Without Swim Across America, I could not undertake the high-risk, high-reward studies that we believe hold benefit for the children and adults with cancer of tomorrow,” Saba said. “Nonprofit support of research is more important than ever.”

For Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Co-Event Director Jackie NeJaime, the connection between the swimmers and researchers is what makes the event especially powerful.

“Our swimmers get to see exactly why their fundraising matters,” Jackie said. “Researchers like Dr. Saba are pursuing ideas that might otherwise struggle to get early funding, while our survivorship programs are helping young people long after their cancer treatment ends. When we swim from Little Marina Green to Aquatic Park, we know where the money is going and the impact this community is helping make.”

The event is also inspiring a new generation of swimmers to get involved.

Friends of Armada, captained by Julie Herson, returns for its third year with youth competitive swimmers from Albany Armada Aquatics Club. The team has already raised more than $17,000 during its involvement with Swim Across America and is working to raise even more this year for UCSF patients, physicians and researchers.

Also returning is UCSF Team Newborn, captained by Tom Shimotake, M.D., which will mark its 15th year participating in the San Francisco Bay swim. The team is made up of friends and supporters of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Nursery who share a commitment to fighting childhood cancer. Nearly one-quarter of pediatric malignancies are diagnosed during the first year of life, giving the team’s mission a particularly close connection to the patients its members serve.

Among the San Francisco community’s other leading fundraisers this year is Berkeley marathon swimmer Maya Merhige, who completed both the North Channel and Strait of Gibraltar this summer as part of her quest to complete the Oceans Seven. Merhige will be away at college on the day of the San Francisco swim but continues to raise funds for Swim Across America and its cancer research mission.

From cancer survivors to families swimming in memory of loved ones, young competitive swimmers and UCSF physicians and researchers, the September 12 swim will bring together hundreds with a shared goal: using the waters of San Francisco Bay to help create better outcomes for people facing cancer.

“Whether this is your first open water swim or you’ve been swimming in the Bay for decades, there is a place for you in this community,” Laura Hovden noted. “Swim, kayak, volunteer, create your own SAA My Way activity or support someone who is participating. Every person can help us make waves to fight cancer.”

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.

For more information, to join as a swimmer, volunteer or kayaker, or to participate virtually or donate to Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

Hercules child predator arrested in Walnut Creek during multi-agency operation

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A child predator from Hercules was arrested in Walnut Creek during an Internet Crimes Against Children operation. Photo source: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

Hercules Police Department Detectives recently participated in a multi-agency operation hosted by Walnut Creek PD and the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. (See related article)

During the operation, Hercules Police Department Detectives assisted in the arrest of a suspect after he traveled to Walnut Creek, believing he was meeting a child. The suspect now faces charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).

The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that collaborative multi-agency work. We’d like to thank all the involved officers for their tireless work and our allied agencies for their assistance.

Relative of victims arrested for murder, arson in Richmond double fatality fire

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Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD

Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy

32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail

By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.

Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.

Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.

During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.

Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident

Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury

Bail: $2,500,000.00

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Proposed overhaul could fundamentally change Head Start. Here’s how

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Bright Starts Center, a Head Start site in south Los Angeles, provides learning opportunities via play, meals and dual language instruction. Photos credit: Betty Márquez Rosales

Top Takeaways

  • Current regulations aim to ensure consistency across Head Start sites regardless of geographical location or other local factors.
  • The proposed changes would cut over 100 pages of regulations down to about 10 pages.
  • Federal officials say program quality would not be jeopardized; proposal’s critics say Head Start’s standards are what make it high quality.

By Betty Márquez Rosales, EdSource, republished with permission

On a recent Thursday morning, 12 preschoolers at Bright Starts Center in south Los Angeles moved between Spanish and English as they cleaned up after painting and playing with blocks. They stretched before outdoor play and reviewed how to stay safe on the slide, at the water station and while riding bikes.

A teacher and assistant stayed with the children throughout the morning. A third adult prepared meals in the kitchen — mini banana loaf with apple, homestyle cheese pizza with mixed veggies and apple chips with a colby jack cheese stick.

The routines at Bright Starts illustrate the holistic approach toward educating children while caring for them that has defined Head Start for more than six decades. Federal rules set standards for staffing, nutrition, physical activity and services for children who are learning English, among other areas, with the goal of providing low-income children and their families with education as well as behavioral screenings, parent engagement opportunities and other support.

Now, the Trump administration seeks to dramatically reduce those federal regulations with a shorter set of rules, and give states and local programs more authority over how Head Start operates.

The proposal’s critics say it would cut down present regulations, over 100 pages long, to about 10 pages, and fundamentally change Head Start as it’s known now. The changes, if approved, would eliminate regulatory requirements governing classroom ratios, group sizes and services for children who speak languages other than English. It would also require English-only instruction.

The changes could theoretically add, according to federal officials, over 200,000 slots for children nationwide while reducing administrative costs. Federal officials say the changes would reduce administrative burdens, give programs greater flexibility and could allow Head Start to serve more children. Critics say the proposed changes could lead to lower quality and considerable variation from program to program, even within states.

Federal officials disagree. Lizbeth Casco White, director of the federal Office of Head Start, said in announcing the proposed changes that they would not “create a patchwork of standards” or compromise quality.

“Head Start would still exist, but it would not be Head Start as we know it and love it today,” said Melanee Cottrill, executive director of Head Start California.

“One-size-fits-all mandates from Washington cannot fully account for the realities facing more than 1,600 local grantees serving vastly different communities across America,” Casco White said. Her remarks echoed statements from Alex Adams, who leads the federal Administration for Children and Families that controls billions in childcare and preschool funding.

The proposed changes are subject to a 60-day public comment period. Hundreds of comments have already been submitted, and the administration must review public feedback before deciding whether to finalize the changes.

A child enrolled in Head Start at Bright Starts Center cleans his workstation after finishing a painting.

Critics say Head Start would fundamentally change

Federal officials have said that lower administrative burden and greater flexibility for local programs are, in part, why the regulatory changes must be made.

Luis Bautista, executive director of the Head Start and Early Learning Division at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, said reducing some administrative requirements could allow programs to spend more resources on children and families — but only if they do not risk quality.

“I think all of us who are in the program will welcome the opportunity to reduce any unnecessary administrative burden, especially when those changes allow us to spend more time serving children and families,” Bautista said. “But flexibility should never come at the expense of quality or safety or equitable access. And some of these proposed changes are going to actually impact all of those things.”

The L.A. County education office is the state’s largest Head Start grantee — teaching thousands of babies, toddlers and young children — and works with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, the nonprofit that oversees the Bright Starts Center.

While federal officials say the changes would give local programs flexibility, critics question how much discretion programs would have in practice if federal funding does not increase.

Head Start programs receive federal grants, and their budgets are tied to the number of children they are funded to serve, and the requirements attached to those grants. Cottrill, of Head Start California, said that could limit how much flexibility programs actually have.

Head Start programs are currently required to meet specific staff-to-child ratios.

“When we ask for that grant, we have to justify it. We can pay that many teachers because we’re required to. While the Office of Head Start is saying ‘you’ll have flexibility,’ they still have the ultimate say on those grants,” she said.

Cottrill said she fears that if the federal office requests local programs to serve more children without increased funding, the proposed changes could lead to reduced staffing or services to accommodate the additional enrollment.

“How do you do that? Well, you hire people who are less qualified. You give them more children. You cut services like toothbrushing and monitors on buses and all those wraparound things that make Head Start such a unique program that really creates positive results for those kids,” said Cottrill.

The Office of Head Start did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Casco White of the federal Office of Head Start has said federal regulations are not what solely drive early education services like Head Start.

“Federal regulations establish minimum requirements. They do not define the ceiling of excellence,” she said in announcing the proposed regulatory changes.

The proposed changes come after months of uncertainty for Head Start, including a federal budget proposal that called for eliminating funding altogether. After opposition from Head Start’s advocates, Congress ultimately restored funding to roughly its previous level. Some local Head Start programs temporarily shut down because furloughed federal staff were not able to process grants during last year’s historic federal shutdown.

Five 2-year-olds enrolled at Bright Starts Center in Los Angeles at the end of outdoor activity time.

The Trump administration has pursued other changes to the program as well. In May, federal officials proposed removing certain wage and benefits requirements for Head Start staff, saying the move would “restore needed flexibility and autonomy to local programs” while reducing paperwork.

Most recently, in June, right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation published a report outlining why Head Start should be deregulated “until officials end it.”

Back at Bright Starts, the children returned to their classroom after outdoor play, moving between Spanish and English as they settled into their next activity.

For now, the routines that shape their day remain in place — two adults in the classroom, time for physical activity, meals and snacks, and opportunities for children to learn English while maintaining their home language.

Whether those practices remain federal standards or are left to states and local programs to decide could depend on what happens next. If the changes are approved, legal challenges are likely, particularly in response to new requirements such as English-only instruction.

Bautista said the outcome should ultimately be measured by what happens to children in classrooms like Bright Starts.

“Will these changes improve outcomes for children?” he said. “I think we have to stay rooted in that.”

Betty Márquez Rosales is based in Los Angeles and covers juvenile justice, youth homelessness and other education topics.

California State Parks’ FREE Fourth Grade Pass now available for 2026-27 school year

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Simplified pass name, updated sign-up period makes it easier than ever for fourth graders and their families to visit 54 state parks for free

By California State Parks

SACRAMENTO — California fourth-grade families can now add a California State Parks pass to their back-to-school shopping list. And unlike the backpack, notebook and pencils, this pass is absolutely free!

Just in time for the 2026-27 school year, State Parks is updating its free pass program for fourth graders with a simplified name and new sign-up period. Now, incoming California fourth graders in public school can get their Free Fourth Grade Pass at the same time as all their other school supplies and start the new academic year with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks. Parents and guardians can download the free pass for their incoming fourth graders at ReserveCalifornia.com.

Fourth graders previously couldn’t sign up for the pass – formerly known as the California State Park Adventure Pass – until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state. In addition to opening at the beginning of August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through Aug. 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade.

“California State Parks is committed to making it as easy as possible for fourth graders and their families to experience California’s unparalleled natural and cultural treasures. The updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass program do exactly that,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “As the new school year begins, I encourage every California fourth-grade family to get their free pass and start exploring the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Parks are living classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and create lasting memories together.”

Outdoors for All

The free pass is a cornerstone of Outdoors for All, Governor Gavin Newsom and the First Partner’s commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of the outdoors. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 100,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.

Along with all fourth graders in public school, California residents from all walks of life — including families receiving public assistance and anyone with a library card — can access free parks passes as part of Outdoors for All:

  • California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It’s just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
  • Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To date, Californians have received more than 145,000 Golden Bear Passes.

State Parks also recently completed a wildly popular free promotion of its Historian Passport, which saw more than 454,000 passes downloaded in just over two weeks.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

The 54 participating state parks help complement the fourth-grade curriculum, bringing to life what fourth graders are learning in the classroom. Fourth grade is a unique time in a child’s development where they begin to better understand how the world around them works in concrete ways, and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment.

Studies indicate that access to parks and green space can lead to improvements in children’s physical well-being, social-emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school.

How to Get Your Free Fourth Grade Pass

Signing up for the Free Fourth Grade Pass is easy. A parent or guardian can apply on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required) to download the pass. The only information required is a name, address, phone number and email address.

For more information about the Free Fourth Grade Pass program, visit parks.ca.gov/4thGrade.

Stories in the Square – The Pittsburg Community Book Exchange Aug. 22

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By Dr. Sharifa Akila Trinay Parr, CEO, Revision Publishing, LLC

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, RP Books is partnering with the City of Pittsburg, the Pittsburg Library, H.A.L.O. Angel Ears, It’s Time to Read and the Children’s Book Project to host Stories in the Square—a massive, free community book exchange and literacy celebration. Our goal is to transform John Buckley Square into an outdoor reading hub where every book can find a new reader!

We would love your help spreading the word to the community so they can join in, pick up some free books, or donate to the exchange.

Event Highlights:

  • The Community Book Exchange: Attendees are encouraged to browse and take books home for free. The Children’s Book Project provided free books specifically for children (while supplies last).
  • In-Store Family Activities: Inside RP Books, we will have a packed schedule of free activities, including:
    • A reading confidence session facilitated by H.A.L.O. Angel Ears (reading assistance dogs) at 11:00 AM.
    • A special Story Time at 12:00 PM with guest author/illustrator ZaRinah T. Perry, reading her book If Elephants Had Wings.
    • An interactive reading of Too Much Glue hosted by Simone Delk, director of It’s Time to Read, at 1:00 PM, followed by a hands-on art activity for kids.
  • Outdoor Reading: Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic lunches to enjoy reading together in John Buckley Square.

How the Community Can Get Involved:

  • Attend & Pick Up Books: The event is completely free and open to the public from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No donations are required to come and take books home!
  • Donate Books: We are inviting families, book clubs, and local organizations to bring new or gently used books to RP Books between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the day of the event. For those bringing large donations (20+ books), we ask that they register their donation in advance here to help us prepare.

Event Details at a Glance:

  • What: Stories in the Square – The Pittsburg Community Book Exchange hosted by RP Books
  • When: Saturday, August 22 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Where: RP Books – 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, adjacent John Buckley Square
  • Cost: Free

RP Books of Revision Publishing, LLC, is more than a bookstore; we are a community-focused cultural hub operating under Revision Publishing LLC in Old Town Pittsburg, CA. We are proud to carry forward the rich legacy of the former Railroad Book Depot, building upon its foundation to serve a new generation of readers and writers. We are black-owned, woman-owned and community-centered.

H.A.L.O. (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization) Angel Ears Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) teams volunteer in East Bay, CA county libraries and work with children to improve their reading confidence.

It’s Time To Read is a specialized reading program in Contra Costa County which guides children from TK through second grade on their journey to becoming confident, enthusiastic readers. Through personalized attention and proven techniques, we help young learners build the strong literacy foundations they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Children’s Book Project gives books or free to children from under-resourced communities who need them for literacy, learning and life and is committed to closing the opportunity gap and lifting up our community by raising readers and ultimately paving the way for lifelong learning and literacy.

The Contra Costa County Library Pittsburg branch is located at 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

11 ways to help kids start school strong

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Photos: Sutter Health

Advice from pediatric experts across Sutter Health on helping children and teens thrive this school year.

By Monique Binkley-Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health 

The countdown to a new school year has begun. For many families, that means shopping for supplies, filling out forms and preparing for busy schedules. It’s also the perfect time to reset healthy habits.

Pediatricians across Sutter Health share 11 back-to-school tips to help children and teens stay healthy, focused and ready to learn.

  1. Start adjusting sleep schedules now

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the night before school starts to reset bedtime.

“As the school year approaches, it’s time to start adjusting your sleep routine,” says Dr. Dan Brennan, Greater Central Coast Children’s Service Line medical director with Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Group in Santa Barbara. “In the weeks leading up to the start of school, start moving bedtime up by 15 minutes a night until you get to the expected school-year bedtime.”

  1. Know how much sleep children really need

Adequate sleep helps regulate metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, promote positive mood and behavior, and support memory retention and mental alertness needed for academic success, says Dr. Jessica Tsai, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Antioch.

Dr. Rakhi Mehrotra, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Livermore, also recommends helping kids and teens stay on track by keeping the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, including weekends.

Drs. Tsai and Mehrotra recommend the following hours of sleep by age:

  • Preschoolers: 10-13 hours daily, including naps
  • Children age 6-12: 9-12 hours nightly
  • Teens: 8-10 hours nightly
  1. Fuel kids for learning and growth

Healthy eating habits help children get the nutrients they need for energy, growth, focus and overall well-being, according to Dr. Mehrotra.

She recommends:

  • Starting the day with breakfast
  • Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy each day
  • Choosing colorful fruits and vegetables throughout the week
  • Filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with whole grains and one-quarter with healthy protein
  • Choosing healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, vegetables and whole-grain options
  1. Make water the beverage of choice

Hydration becomes especially important as children spend more time outdoors and return to sports.

“With kids outside more, we want to encourage families to provide as much hydration as possible, water being our first choice,” explains Dr. Brennan.

Sugary and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Caffeinated beverages work against hydration and generally lead to more dehydration, he notes.

  1. Encourage kids to get moving

Physical activity supports both physical and mental health.

“Whether it’s organized sports, riding bikes, walking the dog or playing at the park, daily physical activity supports both physical and mental health,” says Dr. David Tejeda, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco.

For children interested in organized athletics, Dr. Brennan suggests recreational sports leagues and individual activities such as swimming, running, biking, gymnastics, and rock climbing.

  1. Avoid specializing in one sport too soon

Playing the same sport year-round may sound like a path to success, but pediatricians often see the downside.

“I discourage my pediatric patients from specializing in one sport too early,” emphasizes Dr. Brennan. “High-level athletes benefit from cross training that comes with playing a variety of sports.”

He notes that children who play one sport year-round can develop chronic overuse injuries.

  1. Prepare young athletes before the season begins

As children return to practices, tryouts and games, Dr. Anita Juvvadi, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco, encourages families to focus on the basics:

  • Increase activity gradually before organized practices begin
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Prioritize consistent sleep
  • Eat enough to support increased activity

“The body needs time to acclimate to new movement and sustained activity,” she says.

  1. Warm up the right way

Before sports and physical activity, Dr. Liang Xue, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Brentwood, recommends active, dynamic warm-ups rather than static stretching.

Dynamic warm-ups use movements such as jogging, skipping, lunges and arm circles to increase blood flow, raise body temperature and prepare muscles and joints for activity.

In contrast, holding static stretches before exercise may temporarily reduce strength and power. Saving static stretching for after activity, when muscles are warm, can help improve flexibility and support recovery.

  1. Protect growing bodies and brains

Protective gear matters, according to Dr. Brennan.

“A helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter can protect that precious brain, and don’t forget to buckle the helmet,” he advises.

He also cautions parents about e-bikes and electric scooters, which account for a growing number of serious injuries, emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

“When possible, skip the electric version and stick to good old-fashioned pedaling,” he says.

  1. Know the signs of concussion

As children return to school sports, parents should familiarize themselves with concussion symptoms.

Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown, a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Palo Alto, reminds parents to watch for:

  • Worsening headaches
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Balance problems
  • Seizures
  • Neck pain
  • Unusual behavior

“If a concussion is suspected, children should be removed from play and evaluated before returning to sports,” she says.

  1. Don’t forget vaccines and sun protection

The start of the school year is an ideal time to review routine immunizations.

“Vaccines save lives and keep children healthy by building immunity to many serious viral and bacterial infections,” advises Dr. Brennan.

He stresses the importance of families staying up to date on routine vaccinations and annual flu vaccines.

For outdoor activities, Dr. Yvonne Nicole Lee, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Santa Clara, recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, hats, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses. Sunscreen should be applied 10 to 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.

The Bottom Line

Healthy school years don’t happen by accident. Good sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, hydration, injury prevention and routine healthcare all work together to help children learn, grow and thrive.

CA’s mixed-sex bathroom law kicks in just before school starts

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All-gender restroom in California’s State Capitol building. Video screenshot source: CA Family Council

“The law requires that every school campus have at least one all-gender restroom option available to students.”

By Greg Burt, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — California is quietly moving toward mixed-sex bathrooms in K-12 public schools, and the state’s own Department of Education is leading the way.

A new law California Family Council opposed, SB 760, now requires schools to provide at least one “all-gender” restroom option on campus.

Passed in September 2023, the bill was cosponsored by then-State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda). He, then-State Senator Nancy Skinner, now-State Sen. Tim Grayson and Assemblymembers Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Buffy Wicks and Lori Wilson who represent Contra Costa County, voted for the bill.

The stated goal was to make transgender-identified students feel safer from bullying. But in the rush to accommodate those students’ feelings, lawmakers apparently gave little thought to a different safety question: what happens when boys are given access to girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms?

The State Is Already Building the Roadmap

The California Department of Education has an entire webpage dedicated to “All Access Restrooms,” describing it as a resource offering background information, planning and design resources, laws and regulations, and references for implementing “gender-inclusive” restrooms in K-12 schools.

The background information on that page acknowledges that “the designs of all-access restrooms have been trending in schools throughout the state, the country, and the world,” while noting there are currently no California design standards for these facilities. In other words, the trend is already underway, and the standards are still catching up.

The planning section of the CDE page is even more candid about the scope of what is being proposed. It describes “shifting from multi-user gendered restrooms and single-user all-gender restrooms to offering blocks of restroom facilities for all students;” meaning the goal is not just a single converted nurse’s bathroom tucked in a hallway. The ambition is to redesign entire blocks of school restroom facilities so that boys and girls share the same space.

What Would It Look Like?

The new all-gender bathroom designs typically eliminate urinals entirely, replacing them with individual private stalls accessible to everyone. The CDE’s resources page recommends an academic article published in the Education Sciences Journal titled “Expanding the Scope of Universal Design: Implications for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation,” by Ellyn Couillard and Jeanne L. Higbee (2018), as a guide for implementation. That an academic paper on gender identity ideology is among the state’s recommended planning resources tells you something about the ideological framework driving these design decisions.

But keep in mind, SB 760 doesn’t require a complete redesign of a single-sex bathroom for it to become all-gender.

You Already Saw It at the State Capitol

If you want to get a glimpse of what legislators have in mind when they convert a single sex bathroom into an all gender bathroom, take a look at one of the converted male bathrooms at the state capitol, used by legislative staffers, adult visitors, and elementary school children visiting on field trips. California Family Council Vice President Greg Burt recently took a video of the empty bathroom located to one side of the Capitol Dome. “I’m pretty sure most parents would object to their young children sharing a bathroom while men are using the urinals,” Burt said. “Even without the adult issue, I’ve witnessed the chaos that occurs when young boys are pouring into the same bathrooms as the girls while visiting the Capitol. The girls are not happy about it.” (Watch video tour of Capitol bathroom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okTcKcP3ACQ)

So, what should parents expect when multi-stall bathrooms are converted to all gender at their child’s school?

What the Law Actually Requires — And What It Doesn’t

It is important to be clear about what SB 760 does and does not mandate. The law requires that every school campus have at least one all-gender restroom option available to students. It could be single-stall or multi-stall. It must be supplied with menstrual products starting in 3rd grade, and it must be unlocked and easily accessible. But there are no requirements that urinals be removed or that additional privacy measures be added to stalls.

Sex-separated restrooms are still permitted, and most schools will continue to have them.

Burt explained what this means in practice for families. “How each school fulfills this new requirement is entirely up to the local school board. A conservative district might simply relabel a single-occupancy nurse’s bathroom and call it done. A progressive district could use this law as a green light to convert entire multi-stall restroom facilities to mixed-sex use. Parents need to find out right now what their district is planning,” he said.

The CDE’s planning resources make clear that the broader vision goes well beyond a single-stall accommodation in the corner of the building. It points toward a wholesale redesign of school bathroom facilities, one that treats sex-separated restrooms as a problem to be solved rather than a common-sense protection for children.

The Question Nobody in Sacramento Answered

SB 760’s supporters argued the law was needed to protect transgender-identified students from harassment, but the legislature never seriously asked the parallel question: does giving boys access to girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms create new opportunities for harassment and assault of girls?

California has seen case after case in recent years where policies designed to accommodate gender identity have created unsafe situations for female students. The discomfort of girls sharing intimate spaces with biological males is not a lesser concern. Lawmakers who refused to weigh it have not protected children. They have simply chosen which children’s safety matters.

Parents: Now Is the Time to Speak Up

Because each school board will decide how to implement SB 760 on its own campuses, parents have a real opportunity to influence what happens at their child’s school, but that window will not stay open indefinitely. Decisions about restroom redesigns and facility changes get made early in the budget and planning process, often before most parents are even aware the conversation is happening.

If you want a say in how your district handles this new requirement, call your school board member and school administrators now. Ask them directly: how does our district plan to fulfill the SB 760 all-gender restroom requirement? Will existing sex-separated restrooms be preserved? Will multi-stall facilities be converted? Every parent deserves to know the answers.

Here is one of the committee hearings from 2023, when SB 760 was discussed, and CFC provided opposition testimony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwk7J82Prn8&t=1s

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

City of Martinez to host 2026 Independence Day Celebration with day-long festivities July 4th

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Celebrate America’s 250th and City’s 150th anniversaries

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA – The City of Martinez is pleased to announce its 2026 Independence Day Celebration, featuring a full day of events for residents, families, and visitors. This year’s festivities honor two important milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of the City of Martinez. The community is invited to celebrate with a series of events taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Parade – 10:00am

Hosted by Downtown Martinez & Co., the annual Independence Day Parade will take place on historic downtown Main Street and feature local organizations, civic groups, marching units, classic vehicles, and community representatives.

Martinez Sturgeons Baseball Game – 12:30pm

Join us for the great American pastime, with a special Independence Day home game featuring the Martinez Sturgeons, playing at Joe DiMaggio Field in Waterfront Park. Concessions will be available.

Fun Fest at Waterfront Park – 5:00 pm

The afternoon continues at Waterfront Park with a family-friendly Fun Fest featuring activities, food trucks, and entertainment. Highlights include Bubble Fun from 5:00–6:0pm, a professional kite show from 6:00–7:00pm, and music from DJ Rhythm Masters beginning at 6:30pm. This event is designed to offer residents of all ages a safe, welcoming space to enjoy the holiday together.

Fireworks Finale – 9:30 pm

The City of Martinez will conclude the day with its annual fireworks display over the Martinez Waterfront. This professionally produced show will begin at 9:30pm and promises to be an outstanding display of dazzling colors and community spirit!

The City of Martinez looks forward to celebrating Independence Day with the community and thanks its partners and public safety personnel for their efforts in coordinating this year’s events. The City would also like to thank the East Bay Regional Park District for their continued support and partnership with the City’s annual Fireworks Show.

Please note that general vehicle access to the Marina will be closed off starting at 6:00am and parking will be by permit only as City staff and contractors prepare for the event. Free parking for the day’s events is available in the surrounding Downtown area.

As a reminder, the use of personal fireworks is prohibited in both the City of Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County, to protect our community from the significant risks associated with fireworks, including fires, injuries, and disruptive noise impacts. We appreciate our community’s continued cooperation in helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all residents, visitors, and pets.

We look forward to marking history together, celebrating 250 years of America and 150 years of Martinez, on an unforgettable day of community pride!