Recent News
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Coyote bites 5-year-old girl in Dublin Hills Regional Park
A coyote bit a 5-year-old girl in Dublin Hills Regional Park on Wednesday, according to East Bay Regional Park District Police Department.
Thursday, 3:06 AM | No comments yetWednesday, April 1, 2020
New stimulus-related loan program could aid small business
Two low-interest loan programs that are among the myriad measures in last week's $2.2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Wednesday, 4:02 PM | No comments yetCensus Day arrives in Contra Costa County
It's Census Day in the United States, which means it is time for residents to stop putting off filling out their Census form and make sure that everyone counts.
Wednesday, 1:30 PM | No comments yetLocal high-risk residents hunker down during shelter-in-place order
While many residents feel increased stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19, those feelings have been heightened for residents with family members who have pre-existing auto-immune issues.
Wednesday, 1:02 PM | No comments yetStatus update on Bay Area COVID-19 developments
The latest developments around the region related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, 12:18 PM | No comments yetContra Costa County budget faces big challenges beyond COVID-19
Contra Costa County's 2020-2021 budget is balanced "at this moment," the county administrator said, but COVID-19 coronavirus-related expenses and other future obligations make for a less rosy future forecast.
Wednesday, 12:03 PM | No comments yetSchool campuses may remain closed through end of school year
SRVUSD officials are preparing for a potential elongated absence of students from the classroom after State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced that students may not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the year.
Wednesday, 11:29 AM | 2 commentsTuesday, March 31, 2020
County plans two more 'alternative' treatment sites ahead of expected coronavirus surge
County health officials said Tuesday "alternative care sites" to provide medical treatment ahead of an anticipated surge in COVID-19 coronavirus cases will open next week in Antioch and Richmond, joining sites in Martinez & Pittsburg.
Tuesday, 8:54 PM | No comments yetPleasanton Weekly earns seven awards in statewide contest
The Pleasanton Weekly took home seven awards among all California weekly newspapers in its circulation category in the California News Publishers Association's 2019 California Journalism Awards.
Tuesday, 8:34 PM | No comments yetTri-Valley residents creating homemade masks amid national shortage
Amid a shortage of medical-grade face masks felt by institutions and communities throughout the country, some Tri-Valley residents are stepping up to help improve the local stock for personal use by producing homemade masks.
Tuesday, 5:07 PM | No comments yetDeSaulnier 'showing progress,' in critical but stable condition in hospital
U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier is "showing progress" during his third week battling serious pneumonia in the hospital, where he is in critical but stable condition, his sons said in a statement on the Tri-Valley congressman's birthday.
Tuesday, 4:35 PM | No comments yetPet owners urged to plan for care of pets in case of hospitalization
Animal shelters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties have urged pet owners to develop an emergency plan in the event they are hospitalized with the novel coronavirus and cannot care for their pets.
Tuesday, 3:12 PM | No comments yetPG&E won't pay $4M Camp Fire fine from $13.5B wildfire victims' fund
PG&E announced in San Francisco Monday that it has given up a controversial plan to pay a $4 million criminal fine to Butte County out of a proposed $13.5 billion trust to compensate wildfire victims.
Tuesday, 2:37 PM | 1 commentGovernor announces statewide hotline for seniors to access services
Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a statewide hotline Tuesday to help the state's 5.3 million residents older than 65 connect with state and local services during the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Tuesday, 2:37 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon Regional honors 2019 Employee of the Year
San Ramon Regional Medical Center recently awarded its 2019 Employee of the Year honor to social worker Emma Haag.
Tuesday, 1:55 PM | No comments yetBay Area shelter order extended through May 3 with new restrictions, clarifications
Health officers in several Bay Area counties and cities on Tuesday extended a shelter-in-place order through May 3 to try to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the region
Tuesday, 12:29 PM | No comments yetMonday, March 30, 2020
Remote town halls: Glazer sets small business conference call; Swalwell hosting medical specialist
Sen. Steve Glazer and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell are hosting separate remote town hall meetings to discuss and inform local residents about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) this week.
Monday, 9:28 PM | No comments yetGovernor announces program to expand state's number of health care workers
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a statewide program Monday to expand the number of active health care workers as hospitals and medical centers face overwhelming numbers of novel coronavirus patients.
Monday, 5:01 PM | No comments yetDSRSD welcomes aboard new assistant general manager Jan Lee
The Dublin San Ramon Services District recently brought Jan Lee on board as the new assistant general manager. In part, Lee is tasked with expanding DSRSD's variety of water supply.
Monday, 4:10 PM | No comments yetPandemic forcing addicts to seek help by phone, online
If you are an addict struggling with sobriety how do you reach out for help in the face of today's virus environment of "social distancing" and "stay in place" isolation?
Monday, 3:59 PM | No comments yetBay Area shelter-in-place order to be extended until at least May 1
Seven jurisdictions in the Bay Area plan to extend the current shelter-in-place order due to the novel coronavirus pandemic until at least May 1.
Monday, 2:15 PM | No comments yetReading recommendations for armchair escape during COVID-19 shelter order
The shelter-in-place order has inspired many to reach for an escape through reading. Fight the cabin fever and take flight with your imagination this week, as we travel to various places and points in history with these books...
Monday, 1:02 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon Valley High student wins county poetry competition
From a competitive field of students representing fourteen high schools throughout Contra Costa County, San Ramon Valley High School senior Grace Gilroy has won first place in the county's 2020 "Poetry Out Loud" competition.
Monday, 1:02 PM | 1 commentLooking for a new home activity? Start keeping a journal
Try something new during these strange times. Consider journaling: This writing can be good for body and soul, whether one is already adept at the written word or uses it only to compile grocery lists.
Monday, 12:34 PM | No comments yetSRVUSD will not offer meal pickup services on Monday
San Ramon Valley Unified School District officials have said that they will not be offering food service pickup Monday at any of their three usual locations.
Monday, 11:15 AM | No comments yetContra Costa County reports 175 cases, three deaths from coronavirus
As of Sunday afternoon, Contra Costa County had reported 175 confirmed novel coronavirus cases and three deaths from COVID-19, according to the Contra Costa Health Services website.
Monday, 12:01 AM | 1 commentSunday, March 29, 2020
Fatal crash reported Sunday night on I-680 in Danville
A motorcycle rider died from injuries sustained after losing control and going down on Interstate 680 in Danville, where he was then possibly hit by an approaching vehicle on Sunday night, according to the CHP.
Sunday, 9:59 PM | No comments yetSaturday, March 28, 2020
District: Three people at San Ramon schools are presumptive positive for coronavirus
Three individuals with ties to different San Ramon schools recently reported testing positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), though the results still need to be confirmed by county health officials, SRVUSD officials said.
Saturday, 2:17 PM | No comments yetFriday, March 27, 2020
Community college district halts chancellor search process amid COVID-19
The Contra Costa Community College District's Governing Board has hit the pause button on the search process for the district's next leader, delaying the chancellor recruitment effort for a month due to the novel coronavirus crisis.
Friday, 3:08 PM | No comments yetAs county readies for coronavirus surge, Martinez school being prepped for hospital use
Parts of Alhambra High School in Martinez are being prepared to serve as an alternative care site to treat patients with "less complicated" medical needs as the county gears up for a surge of COVID-19 coronavirus soon.
Friday, 1:16 PM | No comments yetLivermore High senior wins Rotary speech contest
Zoey Bost, a senior at Livermore High School, was awarded top honors at the Rotary speech contest in Pleasanton earlier this month. The competition also saw participants from San Ramon.
Friday, 1:09 PM | No comments yetSpreading cheer: Christmas lights back up amid coronavirus
So, McDermott took on another project. She decided to join in a burgeoning effort to boost community morale by putting up Christmas lights where they could be spotted by neighbors.
Friday, 1:07 PM | No comments yetMessage from our publisher: An appeal for your support of good journalism
Local newspapers all over the country face similar or worse challenges, and scores have had to shut down. We are determined to not let that happen here.
Friday, 1:05 PM | No comments yetMotorcyclist dies in crash on Crow Canyon Road west of San Ramon
A 44-year-old man died in a solo motorcycle crash in Castro Valley in unincorporated Alameda County late Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Friday, 12:03 PM | 4 commentsThursday, March 26, 2020
Valley Views: Working from home is different now
I have been working from home for six years now, and let me first state the obvious: there are many positives to WFH. But from the outset, I saw the downside as well.
Thursday, 3:21 PM | No comments yetKaiser Permanente scuttles plan for $900M office tower in Oakland
Kaiser Permanente announced Tuesday that it is scuttling its $900 million plan for a new headquarters complex in Oakland.
Thursday, 3:01 PM | No comments yetCounty reminds residents about applying for WIC benefits
Contra Costa County announced Wednesday that residents eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children can still apply for benefits during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
Thursday, 2:40 PM | No comments yetDanville teen organizes TikTok prom; 'Good Morning America' takes notice
In response to her prom being abruptly canceled due to the coronavirus crisis, San Ramon Valley High School junior Natalie Reese took to the internet and started her own virtual TikTok prom and is encouraging others to join.
Thursday, 2:35 PM | No comments yetCounty: Clerk/Elections Office to shift services online for duration of shelter order
Effective March 23 and through the duration of the county's shelter-in-place order, the Clerk-Recorder/Elections Department will be temporarily closed to the public in order to help protect residents from the spread COVID-19.
Thursday, 11:46 AM | No comments yetDanville: Reutlinger Community's affiliation with Eskaton authorized by state
The Reutlinger Community, a Jewish retirement community in Danville, recently announced that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra officially authorized its affiliation with the Eskaton network.
Thursday, 11:42 AM | No comments yetWednesday, March 25, 2020
East Bay Parks announces new closures to limit crowds amid coronavirus
New closures of East Bay Regional Park District areas were announced Wednesday to limit overcrowding and help keep the public and park staff safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, 11:05 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon police dispatchers to now inquire about flu-like symptoms with callers
In a post made on the social media site Nextdoor, police said that now whenever a resident connects with 9-1-1 or the department's non-emergency number (973-2779), local dispatchers will inquire about flu-like symptoms.
Wednesday, 4:59 PM | No comments yetCoronavirus focus of upcoming Swalwell virtual town hall
Tri-Valley Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore) is hosting a Facebook Live town hall on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for constituents in the 15th Congressional District this Thursday.
Wednesday, 4:58 PM | No comments yetMount Diablo Peace and Justice Center seeks youth advocates for writing contests, grant opportunity
In its continued efforts to promote the development of aspiring young civic leaders, the Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center is providing opportunities for future leaders to have their work showcased and financially supported.
Wednesday, 4:29 PM | No comments yetKeeping the beat at 80
Even as he has aged, Sun hasn't missed a beat and he enjoys ballroom dancing. He especially likes Latin dancing, which he teaches twice a month at Stoneridge Creek. He also volunteered to hold classes for five years at senior centers.
Wednesday, 4:04 PM | No comments yetDanville three-peats as safest community in California
For the third consecutive year, the town of Danville has been recognized for its efforts to cultivate a safe community, earning the designation as the safest community in California...
Wednesday, 2:11 PM | 4 commentsCoroner IDs San Ramon man killed in crash on I-680
The Contra Costa County Coroner's Office has confirmed the identity of a man who died after his car crashed into a guardrail and rolled over along southbound Interstate 680 in San Ramon on Tuesday.
Wednesday, 1:52 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon Valley school closures extended through May 1
San Ramon Valley school closures and student dismissals will be extended through May 1, regional officials announced Wednesday. The decision is part of a "unified approac"' to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Wednesday, 12:07 PM | No comments yetTuesday, March 24, 2020
County plans to set up temporary hospital beds for COVID-19 patients
Contra Costa County is working on setting up a temporary "remote hospital" location to expand the county's medical treatment capability in expectation of a surge of new COVID-19 coronavirus cases, health officials said Tuesday.
Tuesday, 4:50 PM | No comments yetSheriff's helicopter crew rescues young hiker in Walnut Creek
A young hiker was injured Saturday after a fall on a trail in the Shell Ridge Open Space in Walnut Creek.
Tuesday, 4:37 PM | No comments yetContra Costa among counties ordering labs to report more data from COVID-19 tests
Seven Bay Area governments Tuesday ordered all commercial and academic medical labs to begin expanding the kind of data they report from tests involving the novel coronavirus.
Tuesday, 4:32 PM | No comments yetChief justice suspends jury trials statewide for 60 days
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Monday evening ordered all jury trials in the state superior courts suspended for 60 days in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday, 4:28 PM | No comments yetAlamo: Man dies after striking power line while cutting trees
A Bay Point man was killed in Alamo last week when he struck an electrified power line while cutting trees, according to the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
Tuesday, 4:09 PM | No comments yetDeSaulnier's sons give update on his health status, thank community for support
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier's sons have released a statement providing a new update on the Tri-Valley congressman's health status amid a difficult battle with pneumonia -- and also thanking the community for "the outpouring of support."
Tuesday, 3:22 PM | 4 commentsDanville: Choicelunch switches gears to become drive-thru grocery pickup service
In order to help provide the community with an essential service and keep the company operating, Danville-based Choicelunch has pivoted toward offering a drive-thru grocery pickup service for residents.
Tuesday, 2:35 PM | No comments yetContra Costa County DA warns against price gouging during COVID-19 outbreak
The Contra Costa County DA's Office has issued a stern reminder to all residents and retailers within the region that price gouging is illegal while the community is under a state of emergency from the emergence of COVID-19.
Tuesday, 2:24 PM | No comments yetCounty tax collector offers to cancel late penalty for property tax payments
The property tax deadline is still set for April 10. Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell V. Watts says he is incapable of pushing back the deadline due to state law, but he plans to offer relief where he can.
Tuesday, 2:16 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon man killed in I-680 crash
A man died Tuesday morning after his vehicle crashed through a guardrail along southbound Interstate 680 in San Ramon and rolled over, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Tuesday, 11:12 AM | No comments yetMonday, March 23, 2020
BART ridership down nearly 90%; new service hours take effect
BART's ridership losses remained mostly steady last week as the agency plans to roll out reduced service hours Monday and until further notice amid the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Monday, 4:10 PM | No comments yetState now deems farmers' markets as essential; Danville's remains 'temporarily closed'
The state has since deemed farmers' markets as essential food sources that may remain open. But a number of weekend markets in the Bay Area, including those in Concord, Pleasanton and Danville, remain "temporarily closed."
Monday, 4:05 PM | 1 commentSwalwell leading push to allow House members to vote remotely
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell and other members of Congress requested a temporary change to House Rules on Monday to allow remote voting by congressional members during national emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak.
Monday, 3:47 PM | No comments yetSan Ramon council to talk city service fees during teleconference meeting
A routine review conducted by city staff every year, the City Council will review San Ramon's fees that apply to business licensing, affordable housing, picnic rental, field rental and special event lifeguard, to name a few.
Monday, 3:37 PM | No comments yetUnion announces agreement with Safeway on extra worker protections
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5 union announced Monday an agreement with Safeway on a suite of new protections and rights Monday for grocery store workers during the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Monday, 12:37 PM | No comments yetBay Area movie houses, filmmakers try novel ways to reach people during shutdown
As movie theaters shutter and Bay Area film festivals ponder the next steps and new dates for some unknown time post-coronavirus, studios and indie distributors are breaking with their own traditions and moving their original features
Monday, 12:37 PM | No comments yetCounty announces three donation sites for medical supplies
Contra Costa County officials on Monday announced a trio of donation sites where residents can provide protective medical supplies for health care workers caring for novel coronavirus patients.
Monday, 12:36 PM | No comments yetPG&E pleading guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter for Camp Fire, pay $4M fine
PG&E Co. announced early Monday morning that it will plead guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unlawfully starting a fire in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire that ravaged Butte County.
Monday, 12:19 PM | 1 commentSRVUSD board to review major provisions of labor agreement with teachers union
Meeting via teleconference in order to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus crisis, district officials plan to review and publicly disclose the major provisions of its tentative labor agreement with the SRVEA.
Monday, 12:18 PM | 2 commentsSunday, March 22, 2020
Troops on the way: Bay Area food banks keep on serving amid COVID-19
Facing a "tsunami of need" as one food bank director said, Gov. Gavin Newsom called up the National Guard on Friday to assist deliveries at the state's food banks.
Sunday, 4:40 PM | No comments yetSaturday, March 21, 2020
New 'Color Play II' exhibit brings rich and vibrant art to Danville
Editor's note: This event was canceled due to the regional shelter-in-place and other coronavirus-related impacts.
Saturday, 7:24 PM | No comments yetEarly Eugene O'Neill plays to be performed in Danville
Editor's note: This event was canceled due to the regional shelter-in-place and other coronavirus-related impacts.
Saturday, 7:24 PM | No comments yetRep. DeSaulnier’s condition worsens, now in listed as critical in hospital
Rep. Mark DeSauliner's medical condition has worsened and the Tri-Valley congressman is now listed in critical condition in a Washington, D.C, area hospital, his chief of staff announced on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday, 5:00 PM | 7 commentsU.S. Census officials delay field operations two weeks due to COVID-19
The U.S. Census Bureau is delaying all field operations until April 1 as a result of the nation's efforts to delay the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.
Saturday, 4:20 PM | No comments yetJohn Muir temporarily closing San Ramon urgent care center, plus two others
Facing a surge in patients, Walnut Creek's John Muir Health on Friday announced the closing of three urgent care centers in San Ramon, Orinda and Concord.
Saturday, 4:19 PM | No comments yetFriday, March 20, 2020
No tolls on express lanes during shelter order
Express lane tolls on Bay Area freeways are being suspended through at least April 7 due to a dramatic decline in traffic caused by the shelter-in-place order that took effect this week to address the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Friday, 1:22 PM | No comments yetSRVUSD releases voluntary 'Remote Learning Plan' for students
While local school sites are closed for the duration of the coronavirus crisis, SRVUSD has released a voluntary "Remote Learning Plan" for students who are isolated with their families at home.
Friday, 1:19 PM | No comments yetTri-Valley hospitals gear up for COVID-19
Tri-Valley hospitals are preparing for the forecast spike in patients with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by -- among other things -- revising their intake processes, enforcing social distancing and banning most visitors.
Friday, 1:11 PM | No comments yetContra Costa County reports first coronavirus death
Contra Costa County health officials confirmed Friday morning the county's first death related to the novel coronavirus.
Friday, 1:09 PM | No comments yet
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The takeout math just doesn't work for restaurants
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The first few seconds after awakening; before I remember the virus
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