Our Town

The East Bay Regional Park District has announced the addition of approximately 190 acres of new parkland adjacent to Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, in Concord, strengthening long-term open space protection and advancing future parkland connectivity in the region. The newly acquired Britton and …

With deep gratitude for a life well- lived and faithfully kept, we announce that Aronia Pate transitioned peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on December 3, 2025, at the age of 74. Though she battled Alzheimer’s disease, she never lost the gentle spirit and quiet strength God …

Due to this year’s early rainy season, wild mushrooms are popping up in great numbers throughout East Bay Regional Parks. Mushrooms are an ecologically important part of the parklands and can look beautiful—but some of them contain dangerous toxins. The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) …

California residents are seeing the restoration of their CalFresh benefits to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as the federal government moves to issue 100% of the funding following a court order. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), provides critical food assistance to households and County …

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alma W. Roots, who departed this world in Martinez, California, on October 20, 2025. Born in Tacoma, Washington, on November 15, 1942, Alma was a beloved mother, friend, and patriot. She is survived by her son, Mark Andrews, and daughter-in-law, Betsy, along …

The East Bay Regional Park District has acquired 82 acres at Point Molate on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in Richmond, ensuring the shoreline property will be permanently preserved. The land was purchased from the Guidiville Rancheria of California, a federally recognized Indian tribe, for $40 million. “This is a …

The East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 140 acres adjacent to Deer Valley Regional Park in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy). The property is located in eastern unincorporated Contra Costa County south of Antioch and southwest of …

Frank John Pitto Sr., 86, of Dixon, California, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. Born in San Francisco, California, to Josephine and Anthony Pitto, Frank was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Donna Pitto; his son Frankie …

With deep love and sorrow, we share that our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend, Diane Kalas, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Peoria, Arizona. In March, Diane suffered a broken hip and, as always, met the challenges that followed with resilience, humor, and grace. …

It is with deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of our father, Hilario Mata, who left us peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 88. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and elder. He is proceeded in death by his lovely wife Margarita …