Contra Costa Herald

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

10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley Oct. 11

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To support suicide prevention

By Veiongo (Vei) Uesi, Walk Chair, Oakley Chapter & Board Member, Greater SF Bay Area Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. This year’s event is especially meaningful, not only because it marks a decade of our community standing together for suicide prevention, but also because we are honored to welcome a special guest: the Mayor of Oakley, Shannon Shaw, who will join us in showing support for this vital cause.

Sponsored by the Oakley Chapter of the American Foundation Suicide for Prevention (AFSP), the Out of the Darkness Walk is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a deeply moving event that brings together survivors, advocates, and families who have lost loved ones, creating a space for healing, connection, and hope. With mental health challenges and suicide affecting so many, particularly in recent years, this walk serves as a beacon to let people know they are not alone and that help is always available.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Civic Center Park, 3221 Main Street, Oakley
Time: 8:00 AM check-in, opening ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, and walk begins at 9:30 AM

Special Offerings:

  • Morning refreshments including light snacks, coffee, and water
  • Honor Bead ceremony
  • Memorial garden

Our goal is to bring the Contra Costa community together and join more than 400 communities nationwide to raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental health and raise crucial funds for AFSP to support research, education, advocacy, survivor support and strongly send the message that suicide can be prevented, and no one is alone.

For more information visit ttps://afsp.org.

What does community health look like?

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Photo: Kaiser Permanente

 By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

A mobile medical vehicle provides routine and urgent care for a community recovering from a flood.

A modern community food hub opens in a struggling neighborhood, so residents don’t go hungry.

And a high school wellness room offers teenagers a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.

These are just three examples of programs that Kaiser Permanente recently supported as part of its mission to improve health in the communities it serves. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Snapshot includes brief stories about these programs and much more.

In 2024, Kaiser Permanente invested $1.7 billion in Northern California communities and $89 million in the Diablo Service area, which includes Antioch and Walnut Creek, to support community health. A major part of that investment helped people access high-quality health care through Kaiser Permanente’s participation in Medi-Cal and its own Medical Financial Assistance program.

Kaiser Permanente also worked with many local organizations throughout Northern California to address the biggest factors that shape people’s health. The report is titled “Connection is Everything,” in recognition of the connections we make in the communities we serve to improve health.

“We partnered with community organizations to address deep-rooted barriers that keep people from being healthy, such as not having a safe place to live, enough food to eat, or money to cover life’s essentials,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “When we help keep people and communities healthy, the health care system works better for everyone.”

You can learn more about our work to improve health in your community by exploring Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 11 local Community Health Snapshots. Go to our Northern California page and scroll down to the “Communities we serve” section.

13th Heart of Oakley Festival Saturday, Sept. 20

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Music, dance, food, vendor booths and more!

By City of Oakley Recreation Department

We are excited to celebrate our 13th Heart of Oakley Festival happening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11AM to 4PM in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Vintage Parkway to Norcross!

Heart of Oakley Festival is an annual open-air market that brings local makers, food trucks, non-profits, families, and community members together. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

This year Project 4 Band takes the stage with local dance groups throughout the day. The beer garden will be operated by local non-profit East County All Star Fundraising. Additionally, we will have a FREE trackless train, a mechanical bull, and an inflatable mini golf game for families to enjoy. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

Check out our stage schedule:

10:50am: Studio 55 Ukulele

11:05am: Jabris Rucker Children’s Dance

11:20am: Project 4 Band

12:05pm: Brentwood Blaze Cheer

12:20pm: Step 2 This Dance

12:35pm: Project 4 Band

1:30pm: Stepz Dance Fitness Studio

1:45pm: East County Performing Arts

2:00pm: Project 4 Band

3:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Jaracue

3:15pm: Hiphop-Natyam Dance Academy

3:30pm: Freedom High School Band

Wondering where to park for Heart of Oakley tomorrow?
Parking Lot #1 – Oakley Mercantile Lot
Parking Lot #2 – Oakley Elementary School Lot

Walnut Festival relocating to Contra Costa Event Park in Antioch

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October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

  1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
  2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

“TRASHure Hunt” contest during Park District’s Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 20

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Source: EBRPD

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

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. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Help the Park District in its effort to restore, clean, and preserve 11 cleanup sites across East Bay Regional Parks, 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, an estimated 8,020 pounds of trash were collected by Park District volunteers.

Each year, volunteers discover strange and unusual items during cleanup events. Past items include a sword, two-thirds of a bowling ball, 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).

TRASHure Hunt

This year, the Park District is adding a new feature to the event: TRASHure Hunt. Participants who find a golden trash grabber hidden at each cleanup site will win a special prize. They may also have their photo posted on social media with the golden grabber.

The Park District will provide garbage bags and gloves to those who need them, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own trash-hunting gear. 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.

All locations welcome drop-ins, although registration is appreciated. Visit ebparks.org/get-involved/volunteer/coastal-cleanup or call 510-544-2229 for more information.

Park District Coastal Cleanup Day Sites

  • Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch – Near Frederickson Lane, More Info
  • Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley – Cypress Staging Area, More Info
  • Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda – Near Intersection of Otis St. and 8th St., More Info
  • Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore – Fiesta Grande Picnic Site, More Info & Visitor Center, More Info
  • Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward – West Winton Avenue Staging Area, More Info
  • Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, Martinez – Main Parking Area, More Info
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland – Arrowhead Marsh Staging Area, More Info
  • Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Richmond – Rydin Road Staging Area, More Info
  • Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond – Giant Staging Area, More Info
  • Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Fremont – Isherwood Way, More Info

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.

Air Force flyover during Community Day at Stand Down on the Delta Saturday, Sept. 13

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U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron fly T-38 Talons in formation for the 45th Freedom Flyer Reunion over Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, March 22, 2018. The Freedom Flyer Reunion is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible service of Air Force Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War, their honorable return, and their connection with the 12th Flying Training Wing during Operation Homecoming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James R. Crow)

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street..

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover

Stand Down on the Delta 2025 at fairgrounds in Antioch Sept. 12-15

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Veterans Served Their Country — Now They Serve Their Communities

Join us for Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12–15, 2025 at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) in Antioch, presented by Delta Veterans Group.

Launched in 2023, our “Veterans Served Their Country — Veterans Serve Their Communities” program gives these honorable individuals a New Mission of Service — and you’re invited to join them.

These brave women and men served our nation. Now, they’re answering a new call — to serve the neighborhoods and communities they call home.

Saturday, September 13, 2025, is Community Service Day, when Veterans will serve every corner of Contra Costa County, helping everyone, not just fellow Veterans. ervices are open to everyone regardless if you are a veteran or not.

Veterans: Pre-register or walk in daily

Everyone else: Come volunteer, get connected, or lend support.

Over four days, we provide life-changing services to hundreds of Veterans:

  • Medical & Dental Care
  • Housing, Job Placement & Legal Support
  • Mental Health & Recovery Services
  • Meals, Clothing, Gear & More

Over 1,754 Veterans and families helped so far — and we’re just getting started.

Help us make 2025 the most impactful Stand Down yet.

The Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Delta Veterans Group – “A Hand Up, Not a Handout”. For more information visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta.

Contra Costa County’s 7th Annual Block Party in Antioch Aug. 28

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One Stop for Your County Services in collaboration with Supervisor Diane Burgis and the City of Antioch

Come to Contra Costa County’s 7th Annual Block Party!

Date: Thursday, August 28

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way

Contra Costa County, in partnership with the City of Antioch and Supervisor Diane Burgis, is bringing its annual Block Party to East County.

Contra Costa County, the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, the Employment & Human Services Department, County Public Works and Contra Costa Health along with the City of Antioch are partnering to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location. This will be the seventh year of the increasingly popular event, providing opportunities throughout the County to learn what’s available to you as a Contra Costa County resident.
Please submit your request at least 72 hours in advance to help ensure availability.

Available services at the Block Party include: Sign-ups for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs, information about childcare and preschool options, Records within Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office, Voter Registration, Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more County programs.

County Departments & Programs                     

  • 4 Our Families Navigators (EHSD)
  • Clerk-Recorder-Elections
  • Community Services Bureau (EHSD)
  • Contra Costa Television
  • Information & Assistance (EHSD)
  • Public Works – Flood Control District
  • Public Works – Transportation Engineering
  • Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3

If you require an accommodation to participate in the Contra Costa County Block Party, please contact Diane Truong, Public Facilities ADA Program Manager, at (925) 335-1436 or email Diane.Truong@riskm.cccounty.us.

Delta Veterans Group to hold biennial Stand Down on the Delta in Antioch Sept.12-15

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To serve homeless veterans and others; volunteers needed

Community Day Sept. 13 is for anyone and everyone

By Delta Veterans Group

The Delta Veterans Group brings Contra Costa County (CCC) “Stand Down on the Delta” a Homeless Veterans’ “Hand Up” event every other year (2015, 2017, 2019….) DVG is proud to bring Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12-15, to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

This is a four-day event wherein U.S. military veterans receive services in Medical, Dental, Veterans Treatment Court, Housing, Job Placement, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

We are also looking for volunteers. Please contact us through our website at Contact Us | Delta Veterans Group.

To date the Stand Down on the Delta biennial event has helped thousands of veterans and their families, served thousands of meals, given away over 1,100 pairs of boots, over 1,500 sleeping bags, over 1,300 pairs of new jeans, $500,000 in dental care, taken over 200 veterans fishing on our Delta shores and helped many more find permanent housing.

We work with over 70 different organizations during our four day Stand Down on the Delta event. In September of 2019 over 850 Volunteers from around the State of California and even as far as South Carolina came to Antioch to help us provide these great services to our veterans.

About DVG

Delta Veterans Group is 501(c)3 Veterans service non-profit that assists our Nation’s finest men and women with housing, employment, health, and education services. Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco and Solano counties.

Cleanup in Alamo part of nationwide effort Saturday, May 17

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Volunteers of the Adopt-A-Block cleanup drive organized by DSNDP in collaboration with the Maintenance Services Department in Alameda County, CA on March 22nd, 2025. Photo: DSNDP

Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), a global nonprofit organization, has been running various cleanliness drives and tree plantation-conservation programs across 113 cities in the USA in collaboration with the government.

DSNDP prioritizes working towards fostering a cleaner and greener environment. Since July 2022, with the nationwide cleanliness drive initiative, DSNDP has expressed deep commitment to maintaining the beauty of America by adopting 18 States and 76 cities, pledging to keep them clean and litter-free, which align with the US government’s initiative.  These ongoing nationwide cleanliness drives have engaged 3,022 dedicated DSNDP volunteers to collect 47,250 pounds of trash.

DSNDP is also actively engaged in Tree Plantation and Conservation across 15 states and 37 cities engaging 766 volunteers and resulting in a total of 23,973 trees planted to date.

On Saturday, May 17th, DSNDP is conducting a cleanliness drive with an aim to foster a balanced ecosystem in collaboration with the Contra Costa County, Public Works Department in Alamo, California.

Event Date and Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm PST.

Location: Livorna Road, Alamo