Contra Costa Herald

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

Hospice Tree of Lights celebrates 40th Anniversary

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Source: Hospice Tree of Lights

November 2nd – December 4th, 2026 at multiple locations throughout the county

By Hospice East Bay

For forty years, our Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered members of the communities we serve a way to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. Your donations directly support end-of-life patient care.

Note: The beloved oak trees that have stood at the heart of our Pleasant Hill and Martinez Tree of Lights ceremonies for generations fell last year due to natural causes. Hospice East Bay has found a new tree for the Pleasant Hill ceremony. However, this year the Martinez ceremony will be combined with the Concord/Clayton ceremony.

Our Tree of Lights events in 2026

Rossmoor
Monday, November 2nd, 5pm
Rossmoor Event Center
1021 Stanley Dollar Drive

Pleasant Hill (new location!)
Wednesday, November 4th, 5:30 pm
100 Gregory Lane

East County
Friday, November 6th, 5:30 pm
Brentwood City Park
710 2nd Street at Oak Street

Lafayette
Tuesday November 10th, 5:30 pm
Round Up Saloon Parking Lot
3553 Mount Diablo Blvd.

Moraga
Thursday, November 12th, 5:00 pm
Tree location: Moraga Country Club
1600 St. Andrews Dr, at Village Square
Ceremony location: 31 Orinda Way, Orinda (see below)

Orinda (& Moraga)
Thursday, November 12th, 5:00 pm
Village Square by McCaulou’s, 31 Orinda Way, Orinda

Danville
Thursday, November 19th, 5:30 pm
Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.

Alamo
Tuesday, November 24th, 6:00 pm
Alamo Women’s Club
1401 Danville Boulevard

Walnut Creek
Monday, November 30th, 6:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, Ygnacio Valley Road

Concord/Clayton/Martinez
Tuesday, December 1st, 5:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center Parking Lot, East Street & Almond Avenue, Concord

Blackhawk
Friday, December 4th, 5:00 pm
Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive

For more information and to purchase a light visit https://hospiceeastbay.org/community-event/tree-of-lights/.

Contra Costa Superior Court introduces new Judicial Community Engagement Program

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Photo (top): CCC Superior Court

Free program brings local judges directly to civic, faith-based, educational and nonprofit organizations across the county

By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Contra Costa County Superior Court today introduced its new Judicial Community Engagement Program, which brings judges to community organizations across the county at no cost. Civic groups, service organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and educational programs may now request a judge to speak at their meetings and events about the work of the courts and how the justice system operates.

The program is part of the Court’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with the community and expanding public understanding of the justice system. Residents have the unique opportunity to gain clarity on commonly misunderstood aspects of court processes directly from members of the bench. This program also supports the Court’s new Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, which names Trusted Courts as one of the its five strategic priorities and calls for greater outreach and education about the role and purpose of the courts.

“The daily business of the courts is rarely seen by members of the public unless they are called as jurors or have a case in court,” said Judge Terri Mockler, who leads the program. “Judges make decisions based on the evidence before them and the law that applies, and those details don’t always fit into a news headline. The goal of this program is to allow members of the community to meet and talk with judges about the work that we do every day. The hope is that the public will walk away with a better understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in a democratic society. This program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and see the courts as part of their community.”

Who Can Request a Speaker

Requests are welcome from community and civic groups, leadership and service organizations, educational and youth programs, nonprofit and public interest groups, and faith-based organizations. Any organization that brings people together to learn, serve, or engage is encouraged to submit a request.

Presentation Topics

Judges may speak on a range of general educational topics, including:

  • The role of the courts in the community
  • How cases move through the court system
  • The importance of jury service
  • How judges reach the bench and the qualifications to become a judge
  • Rules of judicial ethics and the judicial discipline system
  • Preventing bias
  • Judicial training and subject-matter specialties, such as domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law

What Judges Cannot Discuss

Judges are bound by ethical rules that protect the fairness and impartiality of the courts. To uphold those standards, presentations are limited to general educational topics. Judges cannot address the following topics:

  • Pending cases. Judges cannot discuss any case that is currently pending.
  • Issues that may come before the Court. Judges cannot comment on matters or disputes that may later come before the Court.
  • Legal advice or referrals. Judges cannot advise attendees on their own legal matters or provide referrals.

How to Request a Judge

Organizations may submit requests by email to communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. There is no cost to request a judge. Requests should include:

  • Organization name
  • Primary contact’s name, phone number, and email address
  • Description of the event or meeting
  • Topic(s) the organization would like the judge to discuss
  • Expected number of attendees
  • Preferred date(s), time, and location

More information about the Judicial Community Engagement Program is available on the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/judicial-community-engagement-program.

Richmond Main Street to hold first Halloween Stroll Oct. 29

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¡Acompáñanos en nuestro primer Paseo de Halloween en el centro de Richmond!

By Richmond Main Street Initiative

Join us for our first Halloween Stroll in Downtown Richmond!

Take a stroll around The LOT, show off your Halloween costumes, and join us for a Halloween parade starting at 6 PM!

This free, family-friendly event will include:

  • Halloween Parade starting at 6 PM
  • Slime & Science Station hosted by Chevron, where kids can make monster goo
  • Mini pumpkin painting while supplies last
  • Trick-or-treating at The LOT and participating local businesses

Bring the family and enjoy Halloween in Downtown Richmond! We hope to see you there!

  • Thursday October 29th
  • 5 pm to 6:30 pm
  • 1401 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA.94801 (The LOT)

___________________

¡Acompáñanos en nuestro primer Paseo de Halloween en el centro de Richmond!

Recorre The LOT, luce tu disfraz de Halloween y únete a nuestro desfile de Halloween que comienza a las 6 PM.

Este evento gratuito y familiar incluirá:

  • Desfile de Halloween a partir de las 6 PM
  • Estación de Ciencia y Slime, presentada por Chevron, donde los niños podrán crear su propio slime monstruoso
  • Decoración de mini calabazas, hasta agotar existencias
  • Truco o trato en The LOT y en los negocios participantes del centro de Richmond

¡Ven con tu familia y disfruta de Halloween en el centro de Richmond! ¡Esperamos verte allí!

  • Jueves 29 de Octubre
  • 5 pm to 6:30 pm
  • 1401 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA.94801 (The LOT)

Presented by the Richmond Main Street Initiative.

The Richmond Main Street Initiative, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to revitalizing historic Downtown Richmond as a pedestrian-friendly urban village, offering products, services, arts, and entertainment that reflect the community’s rich and diverse heritage.

For more information visit www.richmondmainstreet.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Brentwood presents “Night of the Living Loud” Halloween concert Oct. 30

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Five local bands unite to promote community and civic engagement bringing live music, costumes, community organizations and nonpartisan voter engagement together ahead of the November election.

By Mike Rodriguez, Founder & President, Rage for Democracy

BRENTWOOD, CA — Five local bands will take the stage at the Brentwood Community Center on Friday, October 30, for Night of the Living Loud, an all-ages Halloween rock concert organized by Brentwood-based nonprofit Rage for Democracy.

Sponsored by the City of Brentwood, the event combines live music, a Halloween costume contest, local vendors, community organizations, and nonpartisan civic engagement just days before the November general election.

The lineup features DownbyDown, Dumpster Pyre, Jimmy Party, The Slums, and WheelHouse, bringing together musicians from the local rock and alternative music scene for an evening centered on music, creativity, and community involvement.

Local Musicians Speak Out on Civic Participation

In preparation for the concert, members of the participating bands recently gathered for a meetup, sharing pizza, taking promotional photos, and discussing why voting and community involvement matter to them.

Jouz, singer and guitarist for DownbyDown, emphasized the importance of neighbors supporting one another.

“It’s important to be involved in your community because you want people to look out for you the same way that you would want to look out for them, and vice versa.”

Thomas, guitarist for Dumpster Pyre, spoke about the direct impact voting can have.

“Biggest reason to come out and vote is to have a direct impact on your community and help shape where you are.”

Sebastian, vocalist and guitarist for Jimmy Party, echoed that message.

“Voting is important to get an overall representation of how people feel and getting your voices heard.”

Tyrese, bassist for Dumpster Pyre, offered a straightforward message about participation.

“Think about it this way. Just make a vote. It makes a big change, and that’s all you really need.”

These perspectives reflect the event’s larger goal: helping people recognize that being involved in their communities doesn’t have to begin in a government building or at a political event. Sometimes, it can start with a conversation at a rock show.

Music, Community, and Voter Engagement

Beyond the performances, Night of the Living Loud will feature a Halloween costume contest, band merchandise, local vendors, and tables hosted by community organizations.

Rage for Democracy is also working in partnership with HeadCount, a national nonpartisan nonprofit that promotes voter registration and civic participation through music and live events.

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that music can provide a meaningful connection between young people, their communities, and the democratic process.

The concert is nonpartisan and is not intended to promote any political party or candidate. Instead, the focus is on encouraging individuals to become informed, participate, and recognize the power of their own voices.

The organization is still accepting inquiries from local vendors and businesses interested in participating, providing an opportunity for small businesses, creators, and community groups to connect with concertgoers.

Those interested in vendor spaces, sponsorship opportunities, or community organization participation can contact mike@ragefordemocracy.com for more information.

Building Community Through Music

Rage for Democracy is a Brentwood-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses music, civic education, and community service to bring people together.

Its programs include Citizens Civics Club, a free community civics education program; Rage Clean, a volunteer neighborhood cleanup initiative; and the Instrument Closet, a program that makes musical instruments more accessible to the community.

Night of the Living Loud expands on that mission by bringing local musicians, community organizations, businesses, and residents together under one roof.

With the City of Brentwood sponsoring the event’s venue costs, the organization hopes to create an accessible concert experience while supporting the local music scene and introducing attendees to opportunities to get involved in their community.

EVENT INFORMATION

Night of the Living Loud

Friday, October 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Brentwood Community Center – 35 Oak Street

Featuring: DownbyDown, Dumpster Pyre, Jimmy Party, The Slums, and WheelHouse

Tickets: $15 in advance | $20 at the door

Admission: All ages

Sponsored by: City of Brentwood

Tickets and additional event information are available at https://www.ragefordemocracy.com.

For vendor inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, email mike@ragefordemocracy.com.

About Rage for Democracy

Rage for Democracy is a Brentwood-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through nonpartisan civic education, volunteer service, music and creative expression. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves a place to gather, create, connect, and belong, the organization works to make civic and community participation accessible to everyone. www.ragefordemocracy.com.

Contra Costa County seeks nominations for 49th Annual Humanitarians of the Year

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Source: CCCounty

Student and Adult Humanitarians to be recognized at Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Deadline: Nov. 6

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is November 6, 2026.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, one adult and one student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.

Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.
To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.

Halloween Spooktacular at the Century Plaza Shopping Center in Pittsburg Oct. 24

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Free pumpkins and tickets to Maya Cinemas

By The Greater Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce is bringing the community together for the Halloween Spooktacular at the Century Plaza Shopping Center on Saturday, October 24th, from 9AM to 1PM, and we’d love for your business to be part of it.

This free family event is packed with fun: free pumpkins, jumpies, costume contest, face painting, goody bags, prizes, trick-or-treating at participating businesses, and free Maya Cinemas movie showings for the first 300 guests.

With one free pumpkin going to each of the first 250 families, we expect a big crowd of local families, which makes it a great chance to connect with them face to face.

Sponsored by Sierra Pacific Properties, Inc.

For more information about the Chamber visit Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce.

Con Fire to hold annual Open House in Concord Oct. 10

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Anual 2026 Exposición

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.

Pleasant Hill to welcome new Harvest Festival Oct. 10

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Children’s “Stampede” and community food drive will open a day of live music, family activities and fall festivities in Downtown

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.

City of Concord to host 11th Annual Health Expo Oct. 8

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Photo: City of Concord

At Senior Center

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.

Pittsburg Police Department invites community to “Palabras con la Policía” Sept. 30

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El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a “Palabras con la Policía”

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.