Contra Costa Herald

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

Amtrak to run discounted trains to 2023 rededication of Col. Allensworth State Historic Park, Oct. 14

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San Joaquins trains will bring visitors to celebrate site unique to California’s African American history

By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant park.

The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.

The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”

The festival will feature historical re-enactments, storytelling, square dancing, food vendors, crafts, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Amtrak San Joaquins to reconnect Californians with the historic town of Allensworth,” stated FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “As a cornerstone of California’s rich history, Allensworth deserves to be experienced by all. Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable journey to this significant location. Mark your calendars for October 14th to partake in a day of historical immersion, as we recommit to preserving this invaluable site, all while traveling in the comfort and style that only Amtrak San Joaquins can offer.”

The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Riders can save an additional 50 percent on up to five companion tickets by using the Friends and Family Discount code (V302). Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:

  • Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
  • Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
  • Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
  • Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
  • Disabled riders save 10% off

Visitors attending the re-dedication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

Brentwood resident to perform as Tina Turner at Pittsburg Seafood Festival

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Lea Sweet performed as Tina Turner at the 2023 East County Juneteenth Celebration. Sources: (Left) 3 Queens of Motown. (Right) Herald file photo

Lea Sweet part of 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show

By Allen D. Payton

Considered to be one of the top Tina Turner Tribute artists in the country, Brentwood resident Lea Sweet will perform as a cast member of the popular 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show during the Pittsburg Seafood Festival.

The 3 Queens of Motown also includes Samantha Alexes as Aretha Franklin and Stacy Carter as Diana Ross. Under the music direction of music director Nathan Owens and his exciting nine-piece band, they will perform Sunday, September 10th at 3:30 pm.

Sweet performed in tribute to Tina Turner in July at the completely sold-out Bill Picket Rodeo in Dublin. The rodeo is the largest, annual African American, family friendly event to take place in the Bay Area. The 3 Queens of Motown also performed last month at Vallejo’s Empress Theater.

To learn and see more about the 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show visit their website at www.3QueensTributeShow.com.

Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival offers Marina Experience Package

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Perfect for boaters

The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is excited to announce a novel, immersive experience for this year’s attendees: the Marina Experience Package. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10.

In homage to our city’s maritime roots and our commitment to innovating the festival experience, we’re introducing the Marina Experience Package – a unique, enhanced experience for our sea-loving festival-goers.

The package includes a designated docking space at the local marina, a convenient shuttle service to and from the festival grounds, a custom festival burgee, and a curated welcome package filled with festival goodies.

“Our goal is to offer festival-goers a truly immersive and memorable experience. With the Marina Experience Package, attendees can not only savor the seafood and music but also revel in our beautiful marina which is such a crucial part of our city,” says Wolfgang Croskey, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce CEO.

This initiative underscores our commitment to creating unique, diverse, and inclusive experiences for all attendees. The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival continues to innovate and evolve, establishing itself as a must-visit event in the Bay Area’s festival scene.

For more information about the Marina Package and to purchase tickets, visit www.pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com.About the Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival

The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is an annual event held in Pittsburg, CA, celebrating the city’s maritime history, local seafood, and diverse musical acts. The festival aims to foster community spirit, promote local businesses, and provide a platform for local artists and musicians.

Bethel Island 2nd Annual Boats & Berries Music Festival July 22 & 23

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Parade, live music and dancing, boat show, pie eating contest, 5K and rubber duckie races, dog show, Kids Zone, food trucks, vendor booths and more!

Bethel Island presents their 2nd Annual Boats & Berries Music Festival this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 22nd and 23rd.

The days starts off with opening ceremonies with our Military Color Guard and National Anthem sung by Zena Jean. Bethel Island will have a huge downtown parade that is filled with our locals’ decorated golf carts, our military, horses, dogs, Brentwood FFA, dancers, musicians and more!

OTHER FEATURED EVENTS THROUGHT THE WEEKEND

-Live Music with Mama Faxxy and The Gypsy Rebels, Freeway Rock Band and Zena Jean performs with the band Weekend at Jimmy’s! ♥️

INSIDE SCOUT HALL – Michael acoustic shows!

-Boat Show! -Catfish Races are back! -Manpowered Boat Race  – Rusty Porthole  -Berry Pie Eating Contest! -Rubber Duckie Races! -Karaoke -Line Dancing

– Fun and Educational Kids Zone! -Dog Show! -Local Businesses and Vendor Booths! -Adult Refreshments/Goodies Garden! -Food Trucks too!

SUNDAY – Bethel Breakfast after our 5K Race and Boat Race leaving from The Rusty Porthole!

$600 plus Sponsors:

Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter, Boyd Real Estate, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc.

Other Sponsors

The San Joaquin Yacht Club, Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Knightsen Saloon, Bethel Harbor,, Bethel Market, Black Bear Diner, French Flea #7, Will and Kathy Burns CA Mechanical, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Boyd Real Estate, Vintage Soul Boutique, Hurst Solar Panel Cleaning, Delta Sports Bar & Gateway Market, Plumbtree Plumbing and Rooter, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc, Lindsay Decker Realtor with RE/Max Gold, Friendly Fire Systems, Inc, Island Cuts, Timothy McDonald, Bob Gerber, Scott and Kim, Linda Nash, Anthony Banks, Straightline Painting, Good Scents Florist, Ted and Geri Alesna, Shannon & Kevin, Lori Castillo, Dorreen Oxford, Hal Hutchens, Ed Horn, Mark and Sue Stas.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.

Brentwood to celebrate Independence Day with parades, Carnique, music, drone show

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By City of Brentwood

Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we kick off festivities with our Brentwood Classic July 4th Parade at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 4th! Splash at the Aquatic Complex at noon. Cool off at the Community Center or take a refreshing swim at the Liberty Pool. Enjoy food and live entertainment. Finally, be awed by the breathtaking drone show at 9:05 PM. It’ll be an incredible day of festivities for the whole family!

CHILDREN’S PARADE 9:30 AM

The Children’s Parade will begin at 9:30 AM, followed immediately by the main parade. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade. Children may dress up and use bicycles, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, wagons, strollers, and small battery-motorized play vehicles. The line begins at 1st and Birch Streets.

MAIN PARADE

The main parade will begin immediately following the Children’s Parade, traveling from the corner of 1st and Birch Street, turning right on Oak Street, and ending in front of the Community Center.

CARNIQUE 4:00 – 9:00 PM

At 4 PM, head downtown for the Brentwood Lions’ Club iconic Carnique presented by the City of Brentwood. Enjoy carnival games, delicious food, and a concert in the park.

The Brentwood Lion’s Club Carnique, presented by the City of Brentwood. Carnique was a combination BBQ/Carnival hosted by the Brentwood Lions Club for 35 years beginning in the late 1950’s. As we celebrate Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary, the Lions Club has generously allowed us to bring back this event to mark this important occasion.

CARNIVAL GAMES 4:00 – 7:00PM

18 classic carnival games for all ages will be located along Oak Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets. Tickets are $0.50 each or purchase an unlimited play wristband for $20. In the spirit of the original Carnique event which focused on fundraising, all proceeds from carnival game ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit groups volunteering to run the games.

FOOD VENDORS 4:00 – 9:00 PM

A wide assortment of food will be available for sale including BBQ, seafood, carnival favorites, desserts and international flavors to represent Brentwood’s diverse backgrounds. Portions of food sales will be donated to the Brentwood Lions Club and the Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. Tables and chairs will be available along Oak Street in front of City Park.

COMMUNITY CENTER 4:00 – 9:00 PM

The Community Center will be open for those who want to cool off, learn about activities and facilities, buy a limited-edition retro Brentwood shirt or hat, or check out the Community Highlights videos in the Main Hall.

RECREATION SWIM AT LIBERTY POOL

4:00 – 7:00 PM Come take a dip in the new Jack W. Ferrill Aquatic Center at Liberty High School. Swimming at the Liberty High School pool was a popular activity during the original Carnique event, and it remains a favorite way for many Brentwood residents to cool off, even today.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Get ready to rock in City Park! RagDolls will take the stage bringing Aerosmith’s iconic sound, energy, and stage presence.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT DRONE SHOW 9:05 PM

Presented by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, this one-of-a-kind experience will wrap up an incredible day of celebrating Independence Day in Brentwood. Several great viewing locations include City Park, downtown streets and the Liberty High School Football Field.

STREET CLOSURES FOR TUESDAY, 4TH OF JULY

Please be advised that during the upcoming 4th of July celebration, certain streets in the downtown area will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6:00 AM on July 4, 2023. Parking restrictions will be enforced.

Please anticipate traffic delays when heading downtown. We encourage residents to use alternative transportation options such as carpooling, walking, or biking.

City of El Cerrito and worldOne Radio to host 4th of July Festival

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Plus, 25th worldOne Festival Monday, July 3

By City of El Cerrito

We are excited to celebrate with the El Cerrito community and supporters once again on Tuesday, July 4 from 11am-5pm at Cerrito Vista Park, corner of Moeser Lane and Pomona Avenue.

The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department hosted the first co-sponsored 4th of July Festival with worldOne in 1998. Since then, the festival has grown into a world-class hometown institution featuring high quality musical performances, family entertainment such as rides and bounce houses, non-profits and civic organization booths, vendors and food booths and trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, plus, a Classic Car Showcase.

After a two-year hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Festival returned in summer 2022 thanks to the generous support of sponsors and individual donors. The City is committed to annual fundraising efforts to make sure the 4th of July Festival comes back year after year and remains fiscally sustainable and accessible to all.

Classic Car Showcase

The City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival Classic Car Showcase is the perfect place to show off your car! The showcase will be held from 11am to 2pm on Moeser Lane adjacent to Cerrito Vista Park. If you are interested in participating in the 2023 Classic Car Showcase, please note the following information as you complete your application:

  • Space is limited.
  • Car Clubs must arrive together to park together, Spaces are first come, first served.
  • Electricity is not available.
  • Chairs and canopies will NOT be provided. You may bring your own.
  • Vehicles must vacate the area by 4 pm.
  • Once your application is received and accepted, there are no refunds. The event takes place rain or shine.

Completed application and payment of $5 are due by Monday, July 3, 2023. Day of registration not guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Parking

Limited ADA parking is available at the El Cerrito Community Center Parking Lot (7007 Moeser Lane)

Street Parking around the Festival Grounds (please note streets immediately surrounding Cerrito Vista Park will be closed)

Carpools strongly encouraged for those driving to the festival!

Bike Parking

FREE Bike Valet for those biking to the Festival hosted by the El Cerrito Strollers & Rollers and the ECHS Mountain Bike Team

For more information click here.

 

 

 

Online entries for 2023 Contra Costa County Fair exhibit competitions close April 14th

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Become an exhibitor and enter to win

ANTIOCH – Online entries for the 2023 Contra Costa County Fair closes April 14th. Imagine the thrill of winning a blue ribbon at the Fair for a special talent. Think you own the best pig, bake the most delicious apple pie, made a beautiful quilt, or have an uncanny knack for making crafts? Want to see who’s the best in all of Contra Costa County? Then be sure to enter the Contra Costa County Fair’s competitive exhibits! Entry information available on the fair’s website www.contracostafair.com/become-an-exhibitor.

Once Upon A Fair ~ May 18th–21st is sure to be a fun event for children of all ages, with new exhibits and entertainment, the carnival, livestock and the always popular fair food.

For additional information visit our website at www.contracostafair.com, or like us on Facebook.