Contra Costa Herald

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

U.S. Postal Service Operation Santa now open for letter adoption

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New team option, expanded online catalog make fulfilling kids’ and families’ Christmas wishes easier

Santa’s Gift Shoppe — powered by Toys“R”Us — is back

Ship gifts by Dec. 13 to help ensure on-time delivery for the holidays

By Meiko Patton, AI Communications Specialist, USPS

CALIFORNIA — The U.S. Postal Service today announced that USPS Operation Santa is now open for letter adoption for the 2025 holiday season. Starting today, individuals, families, workplaces and community groups can go to USPSOperationSanta.com to adopt letters to Santa and help make the holidays brighter for children and families across the country.

This year, USPS is placing a special emphasis on adopting family letters — including a new way to do it as a team — to help ensure letters from the same household are adopted and fulfilled together.

“We invite the public to join us in spreading holiday cheer by adopting a USPS Operation Santa letter,” said Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s vice president of marketing. “Every year, we receive far more letters than those adopting. So if you have the means, we encourage you to adopt a letter. And this year we’re making it easier for groups to adopt family letters — making the holidays brighter for everyone in a household. And they’re fun and easy to complete with friends or coworkers.”

Letter Adoption Now Open

Adopters can visit USPSOperationSanta.com and follow the steps below to fulfill a letter:

  1. Create a login and verify your identity;
  2. Browse available letters from across the U.S;
  3. Adopt the letters you love — including family letters;
  4. Shop for the perfect gift through Santa’s Work Shoppe or on your own; and
  5. Ship your gift right away through our online catalog or from a Post Office location

To help ensure gifts arrive in time for the holidays, adopters should ship gifts no later than Dec. 13. Sending gifts as early as possible helps families know their holiday wishes have been met.

Adopt Family Letters as a Team

USPS is highlighting a feature that makes it easier to fulfill letters from the same household together:

  • Join forces to fulfill the whole crew — One person creates the team and invites friends, family, or coworkers to help fulfill a family’s letters.
  • Each person take a page — Team members can claim the letter from the family that speaks to them and invite others to adopt the rest.
  • You’re in charge — All letters in the family must be adopted. The team admin can see unclaimed letters and adopt the remaining ones to make sure the family is fully covered.

This option is designed for offices, teams, community groups and organizations that want to make a bigger impact together.

Santa’s Gift Shoppe Makes It Easy to Shop and Ship

To help make letter adoption easier than ever, Santa’s Gift Shoppe — powered by Toys“R”Us — is back this year with a much larger selection of items. Adopters can send gifts directly from the newly expanded online catalog, saving a trip to a Post Office location and keeping the experience seamless.

Santa’s Gift Shoppe is designed to:

  • Give adopters a quick, easy way to find the perfect gift
  • Save time and money — with free shipping on orders over $49
  • Streamline sending gifts directly to the recipient — because all packaging and shipping is handled for you
  • Support adopters who want to fulfill multiple letters — including family letters — in one session

“We want to make it as easy as possible to participate,” Holman added. “You can adopt single or family letters as a team, shop for the perfect gift quickly and easily online, and get it delivered directly from Santa’s Gift Shoppe, all from the comfort and convenience of home. And the best part is, the earlier you adopt, the sooner you can help make somebody’s holiday wish come true.”

How to Get Started

  • Visit USPSOperationSanta.com;
  • Adopt letters beginning Nov. 17;
  • Ship gifts by Dec. 13; and
  • Encourage friends, colleagues, and community groups to adopt family letters

For more information, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

4th Annual Danville Veterans Day Mt. Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony Nov. 11

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Flyover of WWII aircraft by Valiant Effort Foundation

By Sean Gannon, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75

The Beacon on Mount Diablo will be lit at sunset on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Military.

Join local veterans and the Mayor of Danville Renee Morgan at 4:40 pm by the Flagpole in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville as they press the button at 5:00 pm to light the Beacon on Mount Diablo, followed by a flyover from WWII aircraft from Valiant Effort Foundation!

The Veterans Memorial Building will be open to the public from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A proclamation was signed on February 25th, 2022, in the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville to light the Beacon on Mount Diablo not only on Pearl Harbor Day, but also on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.

The event is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75. Special Thanks to California State Parks, Save Mount Diablo and the Town of Danville for all their amazing support to honor veterans!

Pleasant Hill church holds free Trunk or Treat event for special needs children

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Photos: Bay Area Christian Church

By Olivia Brunell

This past Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, Bay Area Christian Church hosted a free Trunk or Treat event in Pleasant Hill designed to be inclusive of kids and families with special needs.

Children with disabilities often experience higher loneliness and barriers to participating in community activities. This event was inspired by the church’s commitment to inclusion and creating experiences where children of all abilities can enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating.

Each location featured decorated trunks, costumes, candy, games and community connection — all in a safe environment offering sensory-friendly spaces, trained volunteers, and accessible layouts so everyone can participate.

Overall turnout across the five locations was more than 1,300, with 336 people coming to the Pleasant Hill Location.

Bay Area Christian Church is located at 320 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill. For more information visit https://bacc.cc/location/pleasant-hill/.

CHP launches Halloween Maximum Enforcement Period to target impaired drivers

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CHiPPER says don’t drink and drive on Halloween or ever! Photo: CHP

All available Officers deployed statewide to keep roads safe during 12-hour operation

6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 – 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1

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

SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will launch a 12-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. Friday, October 31, through 6 a.m. Saturday, November 1, to protect motorists and prevent impaired driving. During the operation, all available CHP officers will be on patrol statewide, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers before they cause harm.

“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many. This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both can have deadly consequences. On average, more than 800 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers claim over 900 lives each year in California, reinforcing the CHP’s commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road.

Impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and cannabis products can all affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Penalties for Impaired Driving

Drivers arrested for driving under the influence face serious penalties, including:

  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Fines
  • Mandatory DUI education programs
  • Jail time

During last year’s 12-hour Halloween MEP, officers investigated nearly 500 crashes statewide. About 90 of those involved impaired drivers, resulting in two deaths and more than 60 injuries. CHP officers also made nearly 120 DUI arrests during that period.

For more information about DUI penalties, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Make the Right Choice

To help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, the CHP urges motorists to:

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • Use ride-sharing services, taxis or public transit.
  • Never drive impaired or ride with someone who is.

If you see someone who appears to be driving impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately.

“Whether it’s Halloween or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Commissioner Duryee added. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

The CHP reminds all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel — never drive under the influence, always wear your seat belt and follow the speed limit.

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

Virtuous Voices Music Academy students open Brentwood’s Juneteenth Festival with uplifting performance

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Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices

 

Antioch, CA – The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.

 

As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.

 

The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.

 

Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.

 

“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”

 

The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.

 

For more information about Virtuous Voices Music Academy, visit www.virtuousvoices.com.

Seat belts save lives: CHP ramps up roadway patrols ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

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Photo: CHP

Holiday Enforcement Period Friday, May 23 at 6:01 PM to Monday, May 26 at 11:59 PM

SACRAMENTO — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges drivers and passengers to prioritize safety by buckling up before each trip.

The CHP will begin its annual statewide Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) on Friday, May 23, at 6:01 p.m. and continue through Monday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m. To help maintain safety on California’s roadways, CHP officers will be vigilant for impaired and reckless drivers and motorists who fail to buckle up.

“Our top priority is keeping the public safe, not just during the holidays but daily,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Our officers will be out in force to help everyone arrive at their destination safely.”

In addition to CHP officers driving traditional black-and-white patrol vehicles, motorists are reminded that they may encounter the CHP’s new generation of low-profile Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles on the roadway. These fully marked patrol vehicles blend into traffic just enough to observe the most reckless and dangerous driving behaviors without immediate detection.

Last year, 42 people lost their lives in crashes across California during Memorial Day weekend. Tragically, nearly half of all vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seatbelts. CHP officers also made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

California law mandates that all drivers and passengers aged eight and older must wear seatbelts. Children under eight need to be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat or booster seat situated in the back seat of the vehicle. Children under two must also ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches.

This year, the CHP’s holiday enforcement effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) designation of May 19 – June 1 as the national “Click it or Ticket” mobilization campaign. Throughout this awareness initiative, CHP personnel will concentrate their enforcement efforts on seat belt and child safety seat violations.

As always, the CHP urges everyone to make smart choices behind the wheel: Buckle up. Drive sober. Stay alert. If you plan to drink or use drugs, arrange for a safe ride home before heading out. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.

Let’s work together to make this Memorial Day weekend safe for all Californians.

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

 

Bay Area Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez May 26

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Nuvision Credit Union Partners with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event takes place on Monday, May 26th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street in Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, as well as their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

During the BBQ Nuvision will also be presenting $1,500 donations to two Bay Area veteran support organizations — Delta Veterans Group, and Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation – in support of their ongoing missions.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

 Nuvision Credit Union Background:

Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets

  • Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Berkeley, Martinez, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Brentwood and Hayward
  • Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Website: Nuvision Credit Union | Banking, Credit Cards & Loans (nuvisionfederal.com)

Lunar New Year Festival at DVC in Pleasant Hill Saturday, Feb. 8

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Celebrate the Year of the Snake!

Presented by the Contra Costa Chinese School and Diablo Valley College Community Education

This weekend celebrate the Lunar New Year with Diablo Valley College Community Education and the Contra Costa Chinese School with a Lunar New Year Festival, Feb 8 10am-3pm at DVC, 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill.

Experience food, cooking, and martial arts demonstrations, arts & crafts, as well as the Lion Dance Parade!
Scan the QR code in the graphic above to register. Questions? Email aanhpi@dvc.edu.

 

BART offers Valentraine Speed-Dating Event Feb. 14

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This Valentine’s Day, hop on the Valentraine and ride your way to love or friendship

On Valentine’s Day, join BART for the first-ever speed dating/friend making event on a moving BART train

On the evening of Friday, Feb. 14, BART invites adults ages 18 to 35 to join us for an on-the-rails mixer aboard a moving BART train. Ride BART into someone’s heart on a special train reserved just for this event! It’s time to get off the apps and get on Trainder. This is speed dating – literally. We’ll help grease the wheels with icebreaker activities, conversation starters, a raffle, and BART-themed Valentines that you can give to potential connections. All adults are welcome as are those looking to make friends rather than find romance. We will have name tags with a space to write in what you are looking for. Participants must be ages 18 to 35 (we’ll explore hosting a similar event for those 35+ in the future). What: BART speed dating/friend making When: Friday, Feb. 14, 6:45pm to approx. 8:35pm Where: Start at Downtown Berkeley Station and ride to 24th St./Mission before returning to Downtown Berkeley. The train will not stop for the duration of the ride. Who: Adults ages 18 to 35 looking for love and/or friendship RSVP Required: bartspeeddating.eventbrite.com RSVPing via the Evenbrite link above is a requirement for participation, and registration is limited. The e-ticket you receive from Eventbrite is NOT your BART fare. Every participant must have a Clipper card – make sure you have at least $7.10 (BART’s excursion fare) on your card. Here’s how things will go: • Arrive at Downtown Berkeley Station no later than 6:45pm for check-in. Late arrivals will not be allowed onboard. We will meet inside the station on the concourse level under the rotunda. Look for BART staff with signage. • Depart Downtown Berkeley at 7:10pm. • We’ll ride the Red Line to 24th St./Mission, where the train will turn around and head back to Downtown Berkeley. The train will not make stops for the duration of the ride. • Arrive at Downtown Berkeley Station at approx. 8:35pm. • If you plan to park and ride, we suggest parking in the lot at Ashby Station (one stop up the line) and ride BART to Downtown Berkeley. There are also multiple parking lots and limited street parking near the station. There will be additional staff and safety presence on each train car. BART has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based harassment, consuming alcoholic beverages and illicit substances, and engaging in disruptive/disturbing behavior in our trains and stations. Read the full Customer Code of Conduct here. Violators will be removed from the train and face potential disciplinary action. BART is experimenting with hosting events on trains such as this speed dating/friend making mixer as a way to engage our community, spur connections, and encourage riding BART. We’ve heard so many stories of people meeting partners and friends onboard, as well as those who’ve taken a train to get married. We hope this event will generate even more stories! Find links to a selection of these articles below.