Contra Costa Herald

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

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the Pittsburg Marina July 4th

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By City of Pittsburg

Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration as the City of Pittsburg proudly commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary with a spectacular waterfront fireworks show and community celebration!

Join us on Saturday, July 4, at the beautiful Pittsburg Marina for an evening filled with family friendly fun, great food, and patriotic excitement. Enjoy a variety of delicious food trucks along the marina, browse local vendors, and stop by the Waterfront Fireworks Party hosted by Dale Vino. Be sure to visit the Pittsburg Yacht Club 4th of July Membership Drive Party.

Then, as the sun sets, look to the sky for our dazzling fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:00 p.m. a breathtaking display you won’t want to miss!

Pittsburg Marina – 51 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg

Fireworks Show Begins at 9:00 p.m.

Sources: City of Pittsburg (left) and Gerald Glasper, Project 4 Band (right)

Space is limited, so we encourage attendees to arrive early and enjoy all the festivities.

Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday together on Pittsburg’s beautiful waterfront. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Brentwood to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day July 4th

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America 250: Agricultural Roots & the American Dream

By City of Brentwood

This Fourth of July, celebrate more than America’s birthday. Celebrate the story of Brentwood.

Join us for America 250: Agricultural Roots & the American Dream, a one-of-a-kind community celebration that explores how our local history connects to the nation’s 250-year journey.

The day begins with the Children’s Parade and Brentwood Classic Parade at 9:30 AM, traveling from First & Birch through Historic Downtown to the Brentwood Community Center. Then, from 11:30 AM-3:00 PM, the celebration comes to life throughout City Park, the Community Center, Historic Downtown, and the Veterans Memorial Hall.

Along the way, you’ll experience Brentwood’s past, present, and future through interactive exhibits, local organizations, entertainment, and family activities.

Discover Brentwood’s agricultural heritage with Harvest Time’s 50th Anniversary activation, visit Spinola Farm to purchase exclusive U-Pick Capital shirts, and learn about the people and places that shaped our community with the East Contra Costa Historical Society and the John Marsh Historic Trust.

Enjoy live music by The Ragdolls, a lineup of local favorites from The Foodie Crew, family activities including a mini train ride, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art, and lawn games, plus the Veterans Memorial Hall Car Show, free hot dogs, live music, and a Historical Flag Scavenger Hunt.

While you’re here, stroll through Historic Downtown and vote for your favorite storefront in the Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s America 250 Business Decorating Contest.

Every stop tells a different chapter of Brentwood’s story.

See the City’s Facebook page for everything happening on July 4, then make plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday right here in Brentwood.

Safe drug disposal available inside Brentwood Police Department

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A Safe Drug Disposal depository is located in the lobby of the Brentwood Police Department. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

Do you have unused or expired medications sitting in your medicine cabinet? As a reminder, the Brentwood Police Department lobby has a Safe Drug Disposal depository available for community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted medications.

Properly disposing of unused medications helps prevent accidental poisonings, prescription drug misuse, and keeps medications out of our waterways and environment.

  • The secure disposal depository is located inside the Brentwood Police Department lobby and is available during normal lobby hours. Informational signage in both English and Spanish is posted next to the depository and outlines what items are accepted for disposal.
  • Please note: The depository does not accept sharps (needles, syringes, or lancets) or illicit drugs. Community members are encouraged to review the posted signage before depositing any items.

All medications collected are periodically serviced by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and transported to a DEA-designated facility for proper destruction.

Take a moment to check your medicine cabinets and dispose of any unwanted or expired medications safely.

The Brentwood Police Department is located at 9100 Brentwood Blvd.

American Discovery 250 Relay to stop in Walnut Creek, Clayton, Antioch and Oakley July 6-8

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Source: American Discovery Trail

Longest continuous, non-motorized coast-to-coast relay in world history begins July 1st in California

By Dave Whitson, Director, 250 Relay, American Discovery Trail Society

Starting next Wednesday, July 1st, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. Participants will carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. (See related article)

Source: American Discovery Trail

The FIRST WEEK highlights are as follows:

  • Wednesday, July 1st: Relay begins at Point Reyes National Seashore at Limantour Beach. Members of the 1980-81 HikaNation event will be on hand to help start the relay. This event inspired the establishment of the American Discovery Trail, and details can be found in the attachment, below. The relay will start at 8:30 AM PT.
  • Saturday, July 4th: The Relay crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. A July 4th party hosted by Pier 39 takes place from 11AM to NOON.
  • Monday, July 6th UC Berkeley, CA to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA. Start time: 8AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA to Antioch Community Park, CA. Start time: 8:30AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: City of Clayton Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Chris Karney, chrisk@claytonca.govor 925-943-2680.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Antioch Community Park, CA to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA. Start time: 7:30AM
  • Wednesday, July 8th: City of Oakley Welcome.Time TBA. Contact Troy Faulk, Faulk@ci.oakley.ca.us or 925-625-7038.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Yolo County Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Terry Selk, terry@visityolo.comor 530-297-1900

MAP OF FIRST WEEK:

Source: American Discovery Trail

For a complete calendar, please visit: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

Source: American Discovery Trail

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail. It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state, and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police investigate suicide of wanted felon following standoff

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Multi-agency effort; identified by County Coroner’s Office

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 2:19 p.m. Pittsburg Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a 52-year-old male of Pittsburg known to have an active felony warrant for sexual abuse of a child. The suspect, who was the sole occupant, stopped the vehicle in the area of Loveridge Road and Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, but refused to cooperate with officers attempting to arrest him. Officers were able to see he was holding a firearm as he remained seated in the vehicle. Members of the Special Response Unit, including Crisis Negotiators immediately responded and began communicating with the suspect to reach a peaceful resolution. During this communication, the suspect expressed he wanted to end his life. Medical personnel were summoned and staged in the area throughout this encounter.

After over ten hours of communicating and attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect turned the gun on himself. The Special Response Unit and staged medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures, and he was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he did not survive the self-inflicted gunshot wound. No force was used by officers.

According to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office PIO, the man was identified as Jason Daniel Broers.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank the Antioch Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Walnut Creek Police Department for their mutual aid support during this critical incident.

This is an active investigation. No further information will be released at this time. We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Dispatch at (925) 646-2441.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood toddler who fell from second-story window released from hospital

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By Officer Chris Bollinger, PIO, Brentwood Police Department

On Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 12:30PM, officers and emergency personnel responded to a residence in the 600 block of Timberline Terrace, after a two-year-old girl fell from a second-story window.

Upon arrival, it was determined the child was on a bed near an open window when she leaned against a window screen, causing it to give way. The child fell to the ground below.

The child was transported by helicopter to UC Davis Medical Center, and she has since been released from the hospital.

Brentwood to host Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 19th

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By E. Harith Aleem, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood invites residents and visitors to come together for its third annual Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brentwood City Park. The event will commemorate Juneteenth and honor the rich history, culture and contributions of the African American community with an evening of live entertainment, food, shopping, community resources, family activities and celebration.

Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate an important moment in American history. Brentwood’s celebration will bring residents, families, friends and neighbors together for an evening of unity, connection, and community pride.

Headlining this year’s celebration is Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kim Burrell. The evening will also feature performances by local artists Stepz Dance Fitness, Split Second Response, Virtuous Voices Music Academy, Monique McCoy, Steven Green and Kritta.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of eats provided by Foodie Crew food trucks, including Dad’s BBQ, Brooklyn’s Lunchbox, Fry Boys, Mini Donut Shack, Yummy Boba, Craving Cajun, Shawndee’s Comfort Kitchen, Mozzeria, Cousins Maine Lobster, Philly Cheesesteak, Jollof Kitchen and Rosie’s Mexican Food. Additional dessert vendors will include Gina’s Sweets & Treats, Carter’s Cannolis and Pound Bizness.

The celebration will also feature craft and merchandise vendors, including Ken’s Pretty Little Things, Holley’s Honey, BOWZ by Novi, Kreative Minds Inspire, AfriCali Designs, Niki Denise, Perch & Bloom, LEIMYA’s CO-OP, LaTisa’s Kingdom Living, LaSarah’s Prayer Closet, Lisa’s Sparkle Box, Kiki’s Kreations, Hey Carter!, Christye Creations, Kay’s Creations, The Adventures of Blu Pigtails and Bangi.

Community and educational booths will be available throughout the event, featuring organizations and partners such as Split Second Response, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Virtuous Voices Music Academy, Delta Bay Impact, Stepz Dance Fitness, Aspiranet, Never Gonna Give It Up, LLC, STEM and Sprout, Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department Navigators, First Page New Chapter, Caste Action Alliance, Affiliated Martial Arts Promoters Association, GirlTREK and Diablo Black Men’s Group.

This year’s celebration will also include kids’ activities and the Downtown Brentwood Freedom Walk, an interactive stamp card experience where participants can visit participating downtown businesses, learn facts about African American history, and enjoy local shops and restaurants along the way.

Separately, earlier that day, the American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. Blood drive participation is by appointment.

All are welcome to join the City of Brentwood for an evening of celebration, education, and connection.

For more information visit Juneteenth | Brentwood, CA.

Pittsburg data center issue to return to City Council agenda

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By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

The City Council appreciates the members of the public who attended and participated in last night’s City Council meeting. The community’s engagement, questions and feedback are valued and play an important role in shaping our community’s future.

At the direction of the Mayor and the Pittsburg City Council, a workshop on development of data centers will be placed on an upcoming regular meeting of the City Council to allow for additional public engagement. The direction follows the June 15, 2026, meeting, where residents shared their perspectives on the development of data centers in Pittsburg.

The item will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting and will provide an opportunity for public participation and City Council direction. Consistent with California’s open-meeting law, that agenda will be posted publicly on bulletin boards at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, the Pittsburg Library, 80 Power Avenue, and on the City’s website, www.pittsburgca.gov. Pursuant to City practices, the agenda will be posted and emailed to all who have requested email notice of City Council agendas 10 days in advance of the meeting date so that residents have adequate notice and an opportunity to review the item, plan to attend, and offer public comment in advance of the meeting. In addition to this required posting the City will announce the meeting on each of its social media platforms.

We encourage residents to stay involved and to sign up to receive notifications about City projects and initiatives to remain engaged in the process. Sign up for the City’s enews here: pittsburgca.gov/government/enews-sign-up.

The City of Pittsburg remains committed to transparent, accessible processes and will continue to keep the community informed at every step.

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

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12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

  • 6 felony arrests
  • Recovery of 4 illegal firearms
  • 22 citations issued
  • Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges
  • Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant
  • Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles
  • 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

Full closures of Hwy 4 between Balfour and Marsh Creek Roads continue May 31st

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Crews conduct paving work on Highway 4 at Marsh Creek Road in Eastern Contra Costa County. Photo: Caltrans

From 7:30 PM to 5:00 AM

By DeNise Harding, PIO, Caltrans Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Due to unexpected rain over the past two nights in the Brentwood area, Caltrans Construction has unfortunately lost two days from the paving schedule. As a result, Caltrans has revised the schedule for the full closure needed for ongoing paving on State Route 4 (SR-4), spanning from Hillcrest Avenue to Byron Highway. The extended closure will now occur nightly between Balfour Road and Marsh Creek Road along SR-4, beginning May 31, 2026, through June 1, 2026, from 7:30 PM until 5:00 AM each night.

Full Closure of Marsh Creek Road (SR-4) is tentatively set to return Tuesday, June 1, 2026. Access during these times will be limited to local residents, business owners, and their employees. Please note: all scheduled work is weather dependent and may change.

SR-4 Balfour Road to Marsh Creek Detour Information May 31-June 1:

Westbound SR-4 Travelers:

Traffic from Byron and Discovery Bay to Antioch/Martinez : Turn right on Walnut Blvd , continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue, Balfour Rd., turn right on Balfour Rd on to WB SR-4 on ramp and merge WB SR-4.

Traffic from Livermore and Byron to Antioch/ Martinez: Turn right on Walnut Blvd, continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., turn right on Balfour Rd. WB SR-4 on ramp and merge WB SR-4.

Eastbound SR-4 Travelers:

Traffic from Antioch/Martinez to Discovery Bay/ Byron : Take EB SR-4 Balfour Rd. Exit, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., Turn Right on Walnut Blvd, Turn Left on Marsh Creek (SR-4).

Traffic from Antioch/Martinez to Livermore: Take EB SR-4 Balfour Rd. Exit, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., Turn Right on Walnut Blvd, continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Vasco Road.

Source: Caltrans

WHAT TO EXPECT

Drivers should note that Marsh Creek Road (SR-4) will be fully closed overnight, beginning again on June 1, 2026. The closure will take place every Sunday through Thursday night from 7:30 PM to 5:00 AM. To search for current District 4 lane closure information, please click here. This project is tentatively scheduled to be complete by Summer 2027.

State Route 4 Marsh Creek Road Detour Returns June 2, 2026:

  • Westbound SR-4 Travelers: Detour begins at Byron Highway left on Brentwood Boulevard, left on Balfour Road, right on to westbound SR-4.

Source: Caltrans

  • Eastbound SR-4 Travelers: Detour begins at Vasco Road; left on Walnut Boulevard, right on Payne Ave, left on Sellers Ave, right on Brentwood Boulevard, continue on Byron Hwy to eastbound SR-4.

Source: Caltrans

Changeable message signs (CMS) will be posted throughout the corridor to assist drivers. Please follow posted signs and detour routes during these closure periods.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra travel time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.