Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek to celebrate America’s 250th, California’s 175th with patriotic concert July 4th

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By City of Walnut Creek

Spend Independence Day with the Walnut Creek Concert Band!

Join the Walnut Creek Concert Band at Civic Park on Saturday, July 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a free evening of patriotic music as we celebrate Independence Day.

This year’s concert is also a wonderful way to commemorate two historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 175th anniversary of California.

Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Bring your family, pack a picnic and enjoy this beloved community tradition before the evening’s festivities.

BART to run Sunday schedule for Fourth of July and San Francisco fireworks show

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By BART Communications

For Fourth of July on Saturday, July 4, BART will be running a Sunday schedule (8am-midnight). We will run 5-line service until 8pm and then 3-line service after 8pm.

5-line service means all lines will be running, including the Green and Red lines, which provide direct service into San Francisco.

Extra trains may be added in case of crowding after fireworks in San Francisco. The fireworks show in San Francisco will be from the Golden Gate Bridge beginning at 9:30pm. The best viewing spots are at Crissy Field, Marina Green, and Pier 39.

Muni is providing a Marina Fireworks Shuttle from Powell Street BART Station and a Pier 39 Embarcadero Fireworks Shuttle from the Embarcadero BART Station. Muni’s F-Line also serves Embarcadero to Pier 39. See Muni’s webpage with information. People looking to take BART home, should immediately return to BART to catch the last trains of the evening. The Muni shuttle service could take up to 60 minutes to connect to a BART Station.

The last train to run through downtown San Francisco stations towards the East Bay (with connections to all stations) is at around 12:25am. The last train to run through downtown San Francisco stations towards Daly City/Millbrae is at around 1:10am (this train does not stop at SFO Station). The last train to run through downtown San Francisco that will stop at SFO Station is at around 12:40am.

Planning and paying for your trip 

Plan your door-to-door trip using BART’s Trip Planner. Itineraries will include key transfer information. You can also check Real Time Departures for the stations you use.

Parking at BART stations (except Milpitas and Berryessa stations) is free on weekends.

Every BART station has restrooms except Pittsburg Center, 12th St./Oakland City Center, Civic Center, 16th St. Mission, 24th St. Mission, and the Oakland International Airport Station (Coliseum Station has a restroom).

All Bay Area transit, including BART, accepts contactless debit or credit cards and mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay for adult fare payment. No setup is required. Just Tap and Ride. Each person needs their own card or device. Clipper cards are also accepted.

Riders who use more than one transit agency in a single trip (e.g., BART to VTA) will only be charged full fare on the first operator. A transfer discount of up to $2.85 will apply on any additional transit agency the rider uses within a two-hour window. Transfer discounts are calculated automatically using Tap and Ride or Clipper for accounts that have been upgraded to the next generation system (click here to upgrade your card).

BART Resources 

System Map

Trip Planner

Real Time Departures from each station

Tap and Ride contactless payment

Download the BART Watch App

Text BART Police to report concerns at 510-200-0992

 

San Pablo to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with drone show July 4th

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Plus, live entertainment, carnival games, food trucks and more

By City of San Pablo

San Pablo — we’re celebrating the 4th of July in style!

The City of San Pablo is excited to invite you to our annual Fourth of July Celebration. A full evening of live entertainment, carnival games, food trucks, a drone show and more!

Join us starting at 5:30PM and ending our night with a drone show set to launch at 9:30PM at the San Pablo Community Center, 2450 Road 20.

  • Doors open 5:30 PM
  • Drone show after dark

Come early, stay late, celebrate big. Don’t miss it!

Pleasant Hill to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day, 50th Anniversary of July 4th Commission

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With fun run, parade, live music and fireworks show

By & Pleasant Hill Police Department

This coming weekend, Pleasant Hill will be celebrating the Fourth of July with our annual fun run, parade and fireworks display.

We invite you to participate in our Firecracker 5K Race or Kids 100-yard dash from 7:45-9:00am. Prizes for the top finishers. National Anthem sung by Jennifer Bennett. First up is the 100-Yard Dash followed by the 5K Race. A portion of your registration goes directly to Pleasant Hill sc…

Come to Downtown Pleasant Hill and see the World-Famous Pleasant Hill Parade presented by the Pleasant Hill Coin & Jewelry Exchange. 9:30am-10:30am

After the parade ends, walk over to Pleasant Hill Park on Gregory Lane and join us for the Party in the Park with live music by Inner State 80’s, food by Back 40 Texas BBQ and Kettle Corn, and fun games for the kids! 10:30am-1:30pm

Then enjoy the best fireworks show in the East Bay with a viewing party at College Park High School. There will be music, food and dessert trucks on site. Access is $4 per person (suggested donation). 6:30pm – 10pm

The Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission works hard to put together the largest single-day event in the city. The commission is not part of the City of Pleasant Hill and is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that was formed in 1976 to celebrate United States Bicentennial. This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For more information visit Pleasant Hill 4th of July or email pleasanthilljuly4@gmail.com.

Police Announce Road Closures

We know how much our community looks forward to these celebrations, and over the next several days, the Pleasant Hill Police Department will be sharing information about these community events. Today, let’s talk about the Fireworks display, which takes begins at 9:15pm on the night of Saturday, July 4th, 2026, in the area of College Park High School.

  • Expect delays along Taylor Blvd between Contra Costa Blvd. and Morello Avenue.
  • Road closures will occur along Norse Drive, Viking Drive and Ruth Drive.
  • Heavy traffic around Diablo Valley College and College Park High School.
  • NO PARKING OR STOPPING ON TAYLOR BOULEVARD

Road closures/detours can be expected at least 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the display. The fireworks display will last approximately 30 minutes. Spectators and vehicles will be withheld from entering the fallout zone immediately following the show until the site has been cleared by the Fire Inspector. We anticipate traffic returning to normal by 11:00pm.

For those planning to come into the area and view the fireworks, we suggest that you strive to come early to secure a parking spot in the surrounding community parking areas. Please be patient (and courteous) while driving, given the road closures, detours and increased vehicle traffic. We want everyone to get a good spot, have a good time, and leave in good spirits.

Check back on our social media platforms for more information, including details about the parade route, road closures and other event details that will help you stay informed about what’s to come this Saturday. Have a great week Pleasant Hill!

Concord to celebrate America’s 250th and California’s 175th birthdays July 4th

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Fun Runs, Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Festival, Food, Live Music & Fireworks

By Concord July 4th

Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th and California’s 175th birthdays with friends and family as Concord comes together for a full day of fun, traditions, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show! Make plans now to celebrate on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

TODOS SANTOS PLAZA

8:00 AM – Kids Fun Run

8:00 AM – Rotary Pancake Breakfast

8:15 AM – 5K Run and Walk

10:00 AM – Parade through Downtown Concord

  1. DIABLO HIGH SCHOOL

4:00 PM – Festival, Food, Vendors & Family Fun

5:30 PM Live Music with Brooks Lundy

7:30 PM Live Music with 3day Weekend

9:00 PM Fireworks to culminate the party!

A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and all of the sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who help make this beloved tradition possible year after year.

Learn more at www.ConcordJuly4th.com.

City of El Cerrito & worldOne to hold 2026 4th of July Festival

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From 11am-5pm at Cerrito Vista Park

By City of El Cerrito Recreation Department

The annual City of El Cerrito & worldOne 4th of July Festival provides the chance to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day and California’s 175th Anniversary of Statehood amongst high-flying banners, world-class music, friends, community groups, a classic car showcase and more. Join us on Saturday, 7/4 to celebrate this renowned El Cerrito tradition!

The Festival brings 10,000 community members together on Independence Day for a day of fun, celebration and civic pride. The event is free to the public, with pay-as-you-go options for attractions such as food and beverage booths, rides, bounce houses, vendor booths and more!

Getting Here

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 ECHS Mountain Bike Team

BART:

  • 0.9 Mile Walk from the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station via the Ohlone Greenway
  • 1.5 Mile Walk from Del Norte BART Station via the Ohlone Greenway

AC Transit:

  • Line 72M runs South on San Pablo Avenue from El Cerrito Del Norte Station. Exit San Pablo Ave & Moeser Lane
  • Line 72 runs North on San Pablo Avenue from El Cerrito Plaza Station. Exit San Pablo Av & Moeser Lane

See a large version of the Festival Map.

Thank you to our Sponsors.

For more information visit  2026 City of El Cerrito & WorldOne 4th of July Festival Official Website or email us at recreation@elcerrito.gov.

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Clayton July 4th

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With pancake breakfast, parade

By City of Clayton

The Fourth is coming. Come celebrate the biggest party of our lifetime as America celebrates its 250th Birthday.

On Saturday, July 4th, we invite you to partake in the celebration during Clayton’s annual Independence Day parades.

A pancake breakfast will be held from 7 am to 10 am at Endeavor Hall (costing $10 for adults and $7 for children under ten). The Kids Parade will commence at 10 am, followed closely by the Annual 4th of July Parade on Oak Street. We look forward to your presence!

Whether you want to be part of the fun or just kick back and watch it all visit www.claytonca.gov for more details and information or click, here.

CHP urges drivers to ‘slow their roll’ during Independence Day weekend Holiday Enforcement Period July 2-5

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Speeding continues to endanger lives on California roadways, making it a priority for the California Highway Patrol in its efforts to make roads safer.

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications Office of Media Relations 

SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.

During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.

“Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerate of others and make responsible choices behind the wheel. Getting there safely is what matters most.”

Higher Speeds, Greater Consequences

Speeding is dangerous – it slows reaction time, increases stopping distance and crash severity, and can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, an average of more than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed. The data also shows that speeding contributes to about 600 traffic-related deaths statewide each year.

During this Independence Day HEP, the CHP will continue using 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to target dangerous driving behaviors on California’s highways. These vehicles blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify reckless drivers before taking enforcement action. Since their deployment last year, CHP officers operating these vehicles have issued over 59,000 speed-related citations statewide.

Pilot Program Targets Speeds

In December 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the CHP launched a pilot program to swiftly take action against drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph, aiming to reduce potentially deadly crashes. The FAST (Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets) program automatically refers drivers to the DMV for review – independent of any court proceedings – to determine whether immediate action, such as license suspension or revocation, is warranted.

According to the DMV, the CHP submitted more than 3,200 FAST referrals between January and May 2026 for drivers engaging in speeding and high-risk driving behavior. The DMV responded with more than 3,000 suspension and re-examination actions, 94.3% of which were upheld after administrative review and hearings, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in identifying drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety.

Simple Steps to Help Save Lives

To help prevent crashes and save lives this Independence Day weekend, the CHP encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:

  • Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
  • Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you have been drinking.
  • Host responsibly and ensure guests have a safe way home.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances.
  • Always wear your seat belt; it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in a crash.
  • If someone is about to drive impaired, speak up, take the keys, and help them get home safely.
  • Help remove a dangerous driver from the road by dialing 9-1-1.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Danville to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with parade, entertainment July 4th

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Proclamation to veterans July 3rd

By Town of Danville & Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

Danville’s biggest community tradition is almost here. The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade brings neighbors, families, friends and the whole community together for a morning of celebration in Downtown Danville.

The parade takes place Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, with floats, music and plenty of red, white and blue along the route.

The parade will feature more than 100 participating groups, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route for one of Danville’s most anticipated summer celebrations. This year’s event also carries special national significance as communities across the country prepare to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

The weekend recognition will begin Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m., when a proclamation will be presented to Veterans Service Organizations at the Veterans Memorial Building. The presentation will recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans as Danville prepares for Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Make your plans to join the community for a festive morning along the parade route.

Honoring SRVUSD: Great schools + great students = great community!

This year’s 2026 Parade Grand Marshal is San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

2026 marks the 51st anniversary that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley first began organizing and conducting the 4th of July Parade in Danville, and Kiwanis has presented a Parade every year since, including the virtual Parade that was held online in COVID year 2020.

Find more details about the parade, entertainment, and upcoming community events at danville.ca.gov/summer or Parade — Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley.

Tips to safely celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in California’s State Parks

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Photo collage: CA State Parks

By CA State Parks

SACRAMENTO — Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the sun at one of California’s 280 (and growing) state parks. Whether you’re interested in swimming, hiking, boating, recreating in an off-highway vehicle, or watching fireworks over San Francisco Bay, the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system has something for everyone. Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly-fitted life jacket in the water, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding alcohol, can help you and your party have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend outdoors.

Here are some helpful tips to have a safe visit to California’s state parks during the holiday weekend:

  • Plan ahead and pack appropriately
    • Schedule activities based on temperatures throughout the day.
    • Dress in appropriate clothing for your planned activities.
    • Shield yourself from the sun by bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
    • Bring plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating beverages such as alcohol and caffeine.
  • Water safety
    • Wear a properly-fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around the water. Water-related incidents can happen suddenly, and wearing a life jacket is the best way to increase chances of survival. View locations where public agencies and private organizations loan life jackets to the public.
    • If you encounter an ocean rip current, stay calm and do not fight it. Swim or float parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
    • Seek help from a lifeguard or call 911 during emergencies.
    • Never dive headfirst into the water or use rope swings.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs
    • Operating any vehicle, including a boat or an off-highway vehicle, while impaired is against the law. Impaired drivers and boaters can be arrested and their car or boat can be towed.
    • Some parks have alcohol bans. Check each specific park website to determine if there are local ordinances concerning alcohol.
  • Practice fire safety
    • Fireworks are prohibited in California’s state parks.
    • Never leave campfires unattended. Fully extinguish fires before leaving and keep water and a shovel nearby.
    • Do not build fires larger than necessary.
  • Leave no trace
    • Leave the park better than you found it by packing out all trash and putting food waste, napkins, single-use food wrappers, and other waste in trash bags until it can be properly disposed of. For human waste, the use of waste alleviation gel bags or other portable toilet options is recommended.
    • Leaving items on a beach or park, even if they are “near” a trash can, may be considered illegal dumping.
    • Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

You can find additional safety tips and information on backpacking, biking, camping, horseback trails and laws at https://www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips. To find a state park near you, visit parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park.

Reminder – Free Historian Passport: California’s state parks offer a variety of experiences, including more than 30 state historic parks that immerse visitors in California’s complex history. In honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the special edition of State Parks’ Historian Passport is free to download through the Fourth of July weekend. Learn how you can download the pass for free here.

You can ensure you have an enjoyable Fourth of July Weekend in State Parks by following a handful of basic safety tips. Photos from California State Parks.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.