News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California
By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Save the Date! Please join us for our 2026 Annual Contra Costa Fire Open House!
Learn about the Fire District’s programs, meet your firefighters, enjoy live demonstrations, food and drinks, and educational booths.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord
For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.
By Miranda de la O, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
Pleasant Hill’s youngest residents will lead the way into a new community tradition on Saturday, October 10, when the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce presents the inaugural Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival on Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill.
Before the festival opens at noon, children from local preschools, Transitional Kindergarten programs and families throughout the community will gather for the first Pleasant Hill Stampede, a food-drive procession that will officially open the new fall festival.
Staging begins at 10:45 a.m. at the Plaza near Jack’s Restaurant. At 11:15 a.m., participating children will make their way down Crescent Drive to the Community Stage beneath the Pleasant Hill Arch, where they will help kick off the day’s festivities.
The Stampede is not a race. Children are encouraged to dress for the occasion with cowboy hats, cow ears, bandanas and other western or harvest-inspired attire as they parade through Downtown Pleasant Hill.
Participation comes with one important requirement: a donation of non-perishable food benefiting the Food Pantry at Hillcrest Congregational Church.
Local schools are being encouraged to collect food in the weeks leading up to the event and arrive at the Stampede with their collective donations, turning the opening celebration into a community-wide food drive. Families may register through participating schools or directly through the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.
“Harvest has always been about celebrating what we have and sharing it with others,” said Jeremy, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “There is something very special about having our youngest residents begin this new tradition by giving back to their own community. My hope is that years from now, some of these children will remember participating in the very first Stampede and eventually return with children of their own.”
At noon, the Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival officially opens along Crescent Drive, with free admission and activities continuing until 9 p.m.
The day will feature live entertainment, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating competition, petting zoo, face painting, balloon artists, midway games, rock climbing, artisan vendors, seasonal displays, and beer and wine. Select activities and beverages will require separately purchased tickets.
Local schools and community performers are expected to open the entertainment schedule, with final participants still being confirmed. The afternoon and evening will feature live performances by Spinout, FirePeach and Zebop!
Downtown Pleasant Hill restaurants and merchants will also be part of the festival experience. Rather than separating the event from the surrounding business district, the Chamber has designed the festival to encourage attendees to eat, shop and explore throughout Downtown Pleasant Hill.
“The Harvest Festival gives us an opportunity to bring the community together while putting local businesses at the center of the experience,” said Alex Khodadad, Chairman of the Board of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “We want to create something that feels distinctly Pleasant Hill and that families will look forward to year after year. This October is the beginning of that tradition.”
The Harvest Festival draws inspiration from Pleasant Hill’s agricultural past, when orchards, farms and harvest seasons were part of the landscape. The Chamber developed the event as a contemporary celebration of that history, bringing the idea of the harvest into today’s Downtown through food, music, family activities, local businesses and community giving.
For its inaugural year, the festival will be concentrated along Crescent Drive, creating a walkable event connecting the Community Stage, family activities, artisan vendors, restaurants, merchants and gathering spaces.
The Chamber intends the Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival and Stampede to become annual traditions, with the children of the community ceremonially opening the festival each year.
Event Information
Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Crescent Drive, Downtown Pleasant Hill
Festival: Noon–9 p.m.
Admission: Free; tickets required for select activities and beverages. www.pleasanthillchamber.com/harvest-festival/
Pleasant Hill Stampede
Staging: 10:45 a.m., Plaza near Jack’s Restaurant
Stampede begins: 11:15 a.m.
Participation requires a non-perishable food donation benefiting the Food Pantry at Hillcrest Congregational Church.
For Stampede registration, activity and beverage ticket information, festival updates and additional information are available through the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce visit PleasantHillChamber.com/harvest-festival.
About the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce supports and advocates for the local business community while creating opportunities for businesses, residents and community organizations to connect. Through advocacy, partnerships, business programs and community events, the Chamber works to strengthen Pleasant Hill’s local economy and community.
Photo: City of Concord
By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord
Concord, CA — The City of Concord is proud to present the 11th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle). This free event brings together local organizations, healthcare providers, and community resources to help seniors, families, and caregivers connect with information and services that support healthy living and well-being. No reservations are required.
While we offer health and wellness resources for all ages, many focus on seniors and caregivers, including information on Medicare, transportation, assisted living, nutrition, fitness, and more. The event will also feature free haircuts, along with opportunities to speak directly with local healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Whether you are looking for resources for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about healthy aging and wellness, the Health Expo provides an opportunity to discover local services and connect with organizations serving the Concord community.
The Health Expo reflects the City of Concord’s commitment to providing accessible resources and creating opportunities for residents to stay informed, connected, and engaged in their health and well-being.
For more information about the Health Expo, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/SCEvents, call 925-671-3320, or email concordsc@cityofconcord.org.
By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg
The Pittsburg Police Department invites community members to join officers for Palabras con la Policía on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held on the City Hall Lawn at 65 Civic Avenue.
Palabras con la Policía, which means “words with the police” is a community focused event designed to bring Pittsburg residents and officers together in an informal and welcoming setting. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet the officers who serve their neighborhoods, ask questions, learn about available community resources, and, as the event name says, have a conversation. This event is multilingual, catering especially to Spanish speakers as part of the Pittsburg Police Department’s continued commitment to building strong relationships with the Pittsburg community through open communication and positive interactions outside of traditional calls for service.
“Some of the most valuable conversations we have with our community happen outside of an emergency or a call for service,” said Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer. “Palabras con la Policía gives our officers and community members an opportunity to get to know one another, ask questions, share information, and continue building the relationships that help make Pittsburg a stronger community.”
Light refreshments will be provided at this free event, and no registration is required. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend.
For additional information, contact Officer Salazar at (925) 252-4248 or ssalazar@pittsburgca.gov. Additional information is also available through the Pittsburg Police Department social media platforms.
El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a “Palabras con la Policía”
El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a participar en Palabras con la Policía el miércoles 30 de septiembre de 2026, de 4:30 p. m. a 6:30 p. m. El evento se llevará a cabo en el jardín del Ayuntamiento, ubicado en 65 Civic Avenue.
Palabras con la Policía es un evento comunitario que reúne a los residentes de Pittsburg y a los agentes en un ambiente informal y acogedor. Se invita a los asistentes a conocer a los agentes que prestan servicio en sus vecindarios, hacer preguntas, informarse sobre los recursos disponibles para la comunidad y, como indica el nombre del evento,
conversar. El evento será multilingüe, con especial atención a las personas que hablan español. Forma parte del compromiso continuo del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg de fortalecer sus vínculos con la comunidad mediante la comunicación abierta y las interacciones positivas fuera de las llamadas de servicio.
“Algunas de las conversaciones más valiosas que tenemos con nuestra comunidad ocurren fuera de una emergencia o una llamada de servicio”, dijo Phil Galer, jefe de la Policía de Pittsburg. “Palabras con la Policía brinda a nuestros agentes y a los miembros de la comunidad la oportunidad de conocerse, hacer preguntas, compartir información y seguir construyendo las relaciones que hacen de Pittsburg una comunidad más unida”.
Se ofrecerán refrigerios ligeros. El evento es gratuito y no requiere inscripción. Se invita a asistir a residentes de todas las edades.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con el agente Salazar al (925) 252-4248 o a ssalazar@pittsburgca.gov. También encontrará información en las redes sociales del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg.
Source: Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County
(Pleasant Hill, CA) – Contra Costa County is bringing its services directly to the community with the annual Contra Costa County Block Party on Tuesday, September 29, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue, Pleasant Hill.
Contra Costa residents can stop by to take care of County business, connect with local government, get help with important tasks—and enjoy an evening of food, fun and community.
District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and the City of Pleasant Hill are partnering with the County to host this free, family-friendly event and make it easier for residents to access services outside regular business hours.
“The County Block Party is about meeting people where they are and bringing County services directly into the community,” Vice Chair Ken Carlson said. “By bringing resources together in one welcoming place, we’re making it easier for residents to access the support they need and feel connected to their community.”
Residents can register to vote, obtain copies of vital records and apply for programs such as Veterans Benefits, CalFresh and Medi-Cal. County staff will also answer questions, connect residents with resources and help them navigate County services.
“We’re proud to partner with Supervisor Carlson and Contra Costa County to bring this important event to Pleasant Hill,” said Pleasant Hill Mayor Zac Shess. “The Block Party reflects our shared commitment to accessible services, stronger connections between residents and local government, and a vibrant community.”
County departments — including the Public Defender’s Office, Clerk-Recorder-Elections, Employment & Human Services Department, Public Works and Contra Costa Health — will join the City of Pleasant Hill to provide services, resources and information. Residents can also enjoy food, entertainment and activities for all ages.
Since launching in 2017, the County Block Party has brought County services and staff into communities across the County, rotating locations each year to make government more accessible and strengthen connections with residents. This year marks the event’s seventh year.
Come for the services. Stay for the food, fun and community.
For more information, visit here: Contra Costa County Block Party.
Contra Loma Regional Park reservoir and Recreation Lagoon. Photo: EBRPD
By East Bay Regional Park District
OAKLAND, Calif. — The East Bay Regional Park District is inviting residents to help shape the future of swimming and recreation at Contra Loma Regional Park, beginning with a community workshop on Sept. 22 in Antioch.
The community workshop will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center located at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch 94531. Participants will be asked to share their ideas for future swimming, aquatic features, and other recreational amenities at the park.
“Contra Loma Regional Park has been an important part of this community for decades, and we want to hear directly from the people who use this park about what should come next,” said Max Korten, general manager. “Whether you swim, fish, hike, or picnic here, we encourage every member of the community to attend a workshop, take the survey, or reach out to our team. Your input will shape the swim and recreation features we bring forward for this park.”
The Sept. 22 workshop is the first step in a broader public planning process that will include additional meetings, outreach at community events, surveys, and interviews to explore all options for recreation at Contra Loma Regional Park.
Map of Contra Loma Regional Park. Source: EBRPD
The Contra Loma Swim Lagoon was closed by the East Bay Regional Park District in 2022 due to maintenance and engineering issues. In 2025, the Park District drained the lagoon while evaluating options for the site’s future. Since then, the Park District has continued to invest in Contra Loma, including new fishing docks, a renovated boat launch, expanded paths and green space, new ADA-accessible restrooms and picnic sites, and the reopening of the Loma Island picnic area.
The Park District also provides lifeguard services at the Ambrose Aquatic Center to support daily operations during peak swim season and partners with Antioch Unified School District to offer swim and water safety lessons at Antioch and Deer Valley high schools.
Public engagement on the Contra Loma project will continue through spring 2027. Visit ebparks.org/contra-loma for workshop dates, an online survey, and project details. For information about the park, visit ebparks.org/parks/contra-loma.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Source: EBRPD
OAKLAND, Calif. — Volunteers and East Bay Regional Park District staff will come together to clean and protect local shorelines and waterways during California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9am to noon. The Park District is facilitating cleanup events at nine sites across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including bayside beaches, shoreline trails, and inland lakes. Staff and volunteers will work together to collect and dispose of litter and recyclables, beautify the shorelines, and help maintain delicate ecosystems. At last year’s event, volunteers collected an estimated 9,295 pounds of trash from East Bay Regional Parks.
Volunteers are welcome in all locations listed below, although registration is appreciated. Sign up at ebparks.org/coastal-cleanup or call 510-544-2229 for more information.
Source: California Coastal Commission
Park District Coastal Cleanup Day Sites
Contra Costa County
Alameda County
The Park District will provide garbage bags and gloves, and volunteers are welcome to bring their own additional trash-hunting gear such as long-handled grabber tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, hats, gloves, and sunscreen, and must wear closed-toe shoes. Layered clothing is recommended. The Park District will also provide snacks and water throughout the event. Please note that parent participation is required for children under 18.
Source: California Coastal Commission
Each year at Coastal Cleanup Day, volunteers discover unusual items during cleanup events. Past items include a boombox, statues of Ganesh and Shiva, a sparkly high heel, and a functioning 1980s-era ThighMaster. Participants who find an odd or interesting item will receive a Park District-themed cooling towel (while supplies last).
This year’s Coastal Cleanup Day also marks the 50th anniversary of California’s Coastal Act, the 1976 law that established a lasting commitment to protecting California’s coast and ensuring it remains accessible to everyone. Over the past 50 years, the Coastal Act has helped protect thousands of acres of open space and habitat, create public access to the coast, and open hundreds of miles of the California Coastal Trail. Coastal Cleanup Day is a chance for all to play a small part in caring for the land and ensuring it remains healthy and accessible for generations to come.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.ebparks.org
By Ella Sogomonian
Antioch, CA – Delta Veterans Group continues its mission to serve those who served our country. The local non-profit is inviting U.S. veterans on Friday, Sept.11 to the VFW Post 6435 in Antioch for the inaugural “Stand Up on the Delta”. This one-day event (video here) connects vets with medical treatment, housing, jobs, as well as mental health and drug counseling. In addition to these critical services, the event builds a sense of camaraderie for veterans who have a hard time creating a sense of community after they end their military service. DVG partners with East Bay Regional parks to take vets and their families fishing on the Delta shores. They will provide a backpack, collapsible fishing pole, tackle and lunch will be catered. Competitions, such as farthest cast, will also take place. There is a 50 veteran limit for the fishing experience.
“As a vet myself I understand how critical it is to extend a helping hand and create a welcoming space,” said J.R. Wilson, Founder of Delta Veterans Group. “Veterans serve their country and community so we give them a new mission to serve the community and these events bring them together to make that happen.”
Since 2015, the non-profit has helped more than thousands of veterans by finding permanent housing, serving over 23,000 meals, providing half-a-million-dollars in dental care, and sleeping bags.
Who: U.S. military veterans and their families
What: Stand Up on the Delta resource event
When: Friday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: TWO LOCATIONS: Resource fair at VFW Post 6435, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road Antioch, CA 94509 & fishing experience at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline Pier at Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue in Antioch, CA 94509
Contact on-site: JR Wilson at (925) 222-7596
To learn more about the Delta Veterans Group visit deltaveteransgroup.org or follow them on www.facebook.com/DeltaVeteransGroup.
Photos: CCC Sheriff
Interested in learning more about the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office? Apply for our Fall 2026 Citizen’s Academy!
This free, six-week program offers a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Office of the Sheriff and its role in keeping our community safe. Topics include patrol, investigations, dispatch, and more, along with guided tours of several Sheriff’s Office facilities.
For more information, visit our Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit webpage:
https://www.cocosheriff.org/…/community-services-crime…
To apply for the Citizen’s Academy, fill out this application and email it to csu@so.cccounty.us.
https://www.cocosheriff.org/…/596/638416872883770000
Deadline to apply: September 13, or until all spots are filled.