Our Town

Obituary: Joan Thomas (1939-2025)

Joan (Joanie) Costella Thomas passed on Dec 24th at the age of 86. A long time resident of Martinez, Joan is survived by her husband Thomas (Tommy) Thomas, brothers Tom and Dan, Son Mark and daughters Lorna and Maureen, along with eight grandchildren. Memorial service to be held at St. …

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Park District Expands Hayward Shoreline with Land Acquisition

The East Bay Regional Park District has acquired approximately 77 acres of shoreline property from the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.), strengthening long-term efforts to restore vital marsh habitat, prepare for sea level rise, and secure permanent public access along the San Francisco Bay Trail at Hayward Regional …

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New Land Acquisition Boosts Future Regional Park in Concord

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 …

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Obituary: Aronia Pate (1953-2025)

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 …

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Annual Wild Mushroom Warning issued for regional parks

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) …

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California Releases CalFresh Benefits for November

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 …

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Obituary: Alma W. Roots (1942-2025)

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 …

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Park Dist. obtains 140 Acres for Future Deer Valley Regional Park

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 …

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Obituary: Frank John Pitto Sr. (1939-2025)

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 …

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