Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open
By Jen Vaya, Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District
Parks previously closed by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed through Saturday and will reopen Sunday morning. Some hill and inland East Bay Regional Parks were closed on Tuesday, July 2, due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat.
Park status is subject to change depending on conditions. Check www.ebparks.org before heading to a park.
The National Weather Service-Bay Area has extended its Red Flag through Saturday, July 6, with Level 2 restrictions in effect DISTRICT WIDE. A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.
Level 2 Extreme Fire Danger Restrictions Include:
No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional parks, trails, and shorelines. (Prohibited year-round)
NO fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in any Regional Parks. (Prohibited year-round)
No open fires or barbecues of any type. Only gas-fueled stoves are allowed.
Drive only on designated roadways – no off-road driving. Do not drive or park on dry grass, as heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.
Parks Closed and Reopening Sunday:
Park Closed and Reopening Sunday:
• Anthony Chabot • Bishop Ranch • Black Diamond Mines • Briones • Brushy Peak • Carquinez/Crockett Hills • Claremont Canyon • Contra Loma • Deer Valley
• Dry Creek • Diablo Foothills (trails closed) • Dublin Hills • Five Canyons • Garin • Huckleberry • Las Trampas
Anthony Chabot Campground will remain closed through Sunday, July 7. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.
Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety tips:
Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Due to high temperatures and extreme fire danger, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch will be closed Saturday, July 6. Dry and windy conditions are expected, which can lead to extreme fire weather risks.
When the park is open again, please still take precautions when hiking in the heat. Here are some safety tips:
• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.
• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
• Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.
Hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions, excessive heat
Contra Loma Park in Antioch closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg open
By Dave Mason Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs East Bay Regional Park District
Many East Bay Regional Parks will remain open for visitors during this week’s increased temperatures. Park guests are encouraged to take special precautions to prepare for the heat while enjoying the open shoreline parks and swimming facilities.
The National Weather Service-Bay Area issued a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning for inland East Bay areas and an Excessive Heat Watch for coastal and bayside areas beginning Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. The Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.
Due to possible high fire risk, the Park District will be closing the parks/areas below beginning Tuesday, July 2, through Friday morning (subject to change).
• Sycamore Valley • Bishop Ranch • Las Trampas • Briones • Carquinez/Crockett Hills • Black Diamond Mines • Contra Loma
• Deer Valley • Round Valley • Morgan Territory • Brushy Peak • Vasco Hills • Vasco Caves • Waterbird
Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:
• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
• Swim only in designated areas.
• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.
• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
• Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.
Contra Loma Park & Swimming Lagoon in Antioch Closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg Open
The Contra Loma Swim Lagoon is closed for the 2024 swim season and has been closed for the past few years due to ongoing renovations.
However, the Park District has partnered with the City of Pittsburg and the Ambrose Parks and Recreation District to provide alternative swim access and programs at Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg. The District’s support allows the Aquatic Center to be opened seven days a week during the 2024 swim season. Visit www.ambroserec.org/ambrose-aquatic-center for more information.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Firefighters and officials help push in the new truck at Station 81 in Antioch, including Deputy Chief Brian Helmick and Chaplain Fr. Robert Rein, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Photos by Con Fire
“Push-in ceremony” held on Thursday
By Allen D. Payton
Contra Costa Fire welcomed their newest tiller fire truck into its home at Station 81 in Antioch on Thursday, June 20, 2024. This new truck will serve our communities in Battalions Eight and Nine.
Deputy Chief Aaron McAlister speaks as the Station 81 crew listens during the push-in ceremony.
Known as a “push-in ceremony”, the event was attended by Antioch Councilmembers Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, Manuel Vincent, representing District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover and Con Fire leaders. Father Robert Rein of Antioch’s St. Ignatius Catholic Church, a fire department chaplain, blessed the truck during the ceremony. They all then helped push the truck into the station, located at 315 W. 10th Street.
A fire truck push-in ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the fire service. It dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to physically push the equipment back into the station after returning from a call.
According to firesafetysupport.com, “Tiller Trucks are the most common and versatile fire trucks.They have a large scoop that can be used to pull water from a hose and transport it to the fire scene. They are also equipped with a ladder that can be used to reach high spots or rescue people trapped in a burning building.”
Con Fire PIO, Captain Chris Toler contributed to this report.
Emergency personnel respond to the same of a fatal collision in Antioch on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Photo by a resident who chose to remain anonymous. The car of the deceased 30-year-old male driver from Pittsburg. Photo: Art Ray, Bay News Video.
By Allen D. Payton
A two-vehicle crash in Antioch, Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2024, claimed the life of a man in his 30’s. According to his aunt he was from Pittsburg. The collision occurred in the intersection of Auto Center Drive and W. 10th Street, about 4:00 p.m.
Con Fire and Antioch Police personnel responded to the scene. According to Con Fire spokesman, Fire Prevention Captain Joe Ottolini, two other people were transported to local hospitals and at least one is in critical condition. He said there was one possible DOA. Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington confirmed the fatality.
According to reports, the man was the driver of one of the cars and ran a red light causing the crash.
UPDATE: According to information provided by the Antioch Police Department, “This afternoon at 4:07 PM, the Antioch Police Dispatch Center began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting a major collision at the intersection of West 10th Street and Auto Center Drive.
Upon arrival, officers learned the driver of a blue Acura sedan was traveling northbound on Auto Center Drive, at a high rate of speed, approaching the intersection of West 10th Street. The Acura entered the intersection as a silver Lexus SUV was traveling westbound through the intersection (on West 10th Street), resulting in a “T-Bone” collision.
Police officers immediately administered first-aid at the scene to all the involved parties. Several fire engines from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District also responded and paramedics took over first-aid and life-saving efforts.
Unfortunately, the solo occupant and driver of the Acura sedan (a 30-year-old male) succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver and passenger in the SUV were removed from their vehicle and transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Antioch Police Department Accident Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation, which is still ongoing. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. The names of the involved parties are not being released pending proper notifications.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864.”
By Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 6:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the rear of the 2900 block of Melon Court at the request of Con Fire for a reported fire coming from the area.
When officers arrived, they located a person deceased who had been severely burned. The cause of death is unknown. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.
Working smoke alarms reduce risk of home fire deaths in half
Daylight saving time begins on March 10 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as theyturn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.
“Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Since July 1, 2023, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 2,645 people in the Northern California Coastal Region affected by 472 home fire events, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. Since October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 lives by meeting one-on-one with families in at-risk communities to share home fire safety information, help families create escape plans, and install free smoke alarms. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. To request an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation or to get involved in an installation event, visit soundthealarm.org/nccr.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media.
La Cruz Roja le pide que PRUEBE sus alarmas de humo mientras ADELANTA sus relojes este fin de semana
Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de muertes por incendios domésticos
El horario de verano comienza el 10 de marzo y la Cruz Roja Americana alienta a todos a probar sus alarmas de humo mientras adelantan sus relojes para asegurarse que los dispositivos funcionen.
“Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de morir en un incendio doméstico, ya que sólo se dispone de unos dos minutos para salir,” dijo Hanna Malak, CEO Regional de la Cruz Roja en la Región de la Costa Norte de California. “Cada segundo cuenta cuando hay un incendio doméstico y cuanto antes le avise una alarma de humo, antes podrá llegar a un lugar más seguro. Cuando adelante sus relojes este fin de semana, pruebe también sus alarmas de humo para ayudar a prevenir una tragedia en su hogar.”
Desde el 1 de Julio de 2023, los voluntarios locales de la Cruz Roja respondieron para ayudar a 2,645 personas en la Región de la Costa Norte de California, que fue afectada por 472 incendios domésticos, que representan la mayoría de los cerca de 65,000 desastres a los que la Cruz Roja responde anualmente en todo el país.
ALARMAS DE HUMO Cuando adelante los relojes este fin de semana, pruebe sus alarmas de humo y cambie las baterías si es necesario. Visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendios para más información, incluyendo un plan de escape para crear y practicar con su familia, o descargue la aplicación gratuita Emergencia de la Cruz Roja buscando “Cruz Roja Americana” en las tiendas de aplicaciones.
Instale alarmas de humo en todos los niveles de su casa, incluidos los dormitorios interiores y exteriores y las áreas para dormir.
Reemplace las alarmas de humo que tengan 10 años o más. Los componentes, como los sensores, pueden volverse menos sensibles con el tiempo. Siga las instrucciones del fabricante de la alarma.
Practique su plan de escape en caso de incendio doméstico de dos minutos. Asegúrese de que todos los miembros de su hogar puedan salir en menos de dos minutos, la cantidad de tiempo que puede tener para escapar de una casa en llamas antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Incluya al menos dos formas de salir de cada habitación y seleccione un lugar de reunión a una distancia segura de su casa, como la casa de su vecino o un punto de referencia como un árbol específico en su patio delantero, donde todos puedan reunirse.
LA CAMPAÑA DE PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS EN EL HOGAR SALVA VIDAS Desde octubre de 2014, la Campaña de Prevención de Incendios en el Hogar de la Cruz Roja, en colaboración con socios comunitarios, ha salvado al menos 2,030 vidas educando a las familias sobre la seguridad contra incendios, ayudándoles a crear planes de escape e instalando alarmas de humo gratuitas en zonas de alto riesgo de todo el país. Para obtener más información sobre la campaña y cómo puede participar, visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendiosdomesticos.
Sobre la Cruz Roja Americana:
La Cruz Roja Americana alberga, alimenta y ofrece alivio a las víctimas de desastres; suministra alrededor del 40% de la sangre en el país; enseña habilidades que salvan vidas; distribuye ayuda humanitaria internacional; y apoya a los veteranos, a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y a sus familias. La Cruz Roja es una
organización sin fines de lucro que depende de los voluntarios y de la generosidad del público estadounidense para cumplir su misión. Para obtener más información, visite redcross.org o CruzRojaAmericana.org, o síganos en las redes sociales.
By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
