Source: Temperature from Apple Weather app and notice from City of Antioch.
4 PM “parade and festivities are moving forward as planned”
City will offer options to beat the heat
By Allen Payton
In a post on its Facebook page today, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the City of Antioch wrote, “We’re excited to celebrate Independence Day with you this year. Despite the expected high temperatures, our July 4th parade and festivities are moving forward as planned.
That’s in spite of the temperature forecast of 104 degrees that day.
First of four on Fridays in July, passes include swimming
Get your tickets, get your tickets! Come one, come all to the first Antioch Water Park After Dark of the summer on Friday, July 5th for Carnival Night!
Enjoy an evening filled with fun and excitement featuring a clown, a mesmerizing magician and a variety of engaging games for all ages including a dunk tank!
Earn tickets and redeem them at our prize table.* Don’t miss this night of family-friendly entertainment, the first of four each Friday in July! (See related article)
Pre-Sale tickets are $11 per person and $13 at the door or purchase an After Dark Pass for all four nights for just $35 per person at AntiochWaterPark.com. Each pass includes swimming.
The Antioch Water Park is located inside Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way.
As visitation to East Bay Regional Parks increases in warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more common. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas. They hold cultural and ecological importance throughout the state.
Coyote parents are active and protective of den sites from spring through fall, when new pups are born. It is a normal reaction for them to run away when spotted, although some have become used to human presence and will continue their activities while being watched. Visitors are encouraged to keep coyote safety precautions in mind when visiting Regional Parks throughout the year.
Coyote Safety Tips
Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency.
Keep children and pets nearby; keep your dog(s) on a leash.
Be aware of your surroundings as you walk, jog, or ride.
Stay on trails.
Never attempt to feed a coyote.
What To Do If You See a Coyote
Keep an eye on the coyote and observe from afar. Do not approach or engage with the coyote; walk away calmly and leave the area quickly. Do not run. If you have small children, keep them close by. If you have a small dog, keep them on a leash.
What To Do If Approached By A Coyote
Rarely, a coyote may approach you. If a coyote moves within 50 feet and does not go away on its own, encourage the coyote to move away to help it retain a natural fear of humans.
Be as big and loud as possible; shout in a deep, loud, and aggressive voice.
Wave your arms.
Keep dogs and children nearby.
Maintain eye contact, which can make coyotes uncomfortable and timid.
If the coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn your back on the coyote but continue to exaggerate the above gestures while backing away slowly.
Help protect all wildlife and their environment. Never feed, approach, or pet wild animals. For emergencies, contact 911 or the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line (510) 881-1833, 24 hours a day.
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.
The Antioch Water Park presents Water Park After Dark each Friday night in July.
First, enjoy Carnival Night on July 5th, followed by Christmas in July on July 12th. Then enjoy Country Night on July 19th and finally All Star Night on July 26th.
Pre-Sale tickets are $11 per person and $13 at the door or purchase an After Dark Pass for all four nights for just $35 per person at AntiochWaterPark.com.
The Antioch Water Park is located inside Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way.
Examples of newly installed bicycle turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. Source: CA State Parks
By Clint Elsholz, Superintendent, Diablo Range District, CA State Parks
California State Parks, in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation, Mount Diablo Cyclists, and community donors, began construction on June 3, on 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park (SP). Once completed, these new turnouts will bring the total turnouts in the park to 67. Turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely.
“State Parks is very excited to implement these critical safety measures with our partners,” said Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz. “Each turnout can provide our visitors with a safer and more enjoyable park experience.”
Project construction is expected to be completed by fall 2024. Here is what the public can expect during construction:
The three park roads receiving new turnouts (South Gate Road, Summit Road and North Gate Road) will be closed on weekdays, from 8 a.m. on Monday through 2 p.m. on Friday. The park will be fully open on the weekends during the project.
This work will be done in three phases, with the first phase beginning on June 3, on South Gate Road. Southgate Road will remain closed on weekdays for approximately five weeks until the project moves to Summit Road and then to North Gate Road.
Vehicles, bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers will be prohibited on the closed roads until the project is completed.
Camping will only be allowed on Friday and Saturday nights in campgrounds along closed roads.
All trails and fire roads will remain open throughout the project.
At the completion of this important road safety project, California State Parks and its partners will plan a celebration event to commemorate these safety improvements and recognize contributors to the project. Road closures updates and celebration event information will be provided at parks.ca.gov/MountDiablo.
Public safety at this popular destination remains a priority for State Parks. Over the past few years, several safety enhancements have been implemented, such as double yellow line striping on the roads, designating passing areas, repaving portions of the road, improving safety signage, and installing designated bike turnouts. To date, State Parks has installed 45 bike turnouts at Mount Diablo SP. Along South Gate Road, there are a total of 17 turnouts, 16 along North Gate Road, and 12 along Summit Road.
Visitors to Mount Diablo SP are encouraged to share the road. Here are some tips to keep your visit safe and enjoyable:
All Users
Check the weather, bring water, and wear layers.
Don’t forget sunscreen.
Obey park rules.
Park in designated areas.
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.
Help us keep animals wild by viewing them from a safe distance. Do not touch or feed them.
Drivers and Cyclists
Observe posted speed limits.
Stay in your lane on blind curves and do not cut corners.
Do not pass on double yellow lines and until you have a clear view of oncoming traffic, and it is safe to do so.
Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal. Wear only one headphone if you must.
Hikers
Use the “buddy system” – hike with a friend or family member.
Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours).
Wear sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe shoes to help prevent injury.
Stay within designated trails. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas.
Equestrian Riders
Check the weather, bring water, and know where to find water. Bring snacks for you and your horse.
Know your level. Trails can be beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Groom and condition your horse before leaving the barn.
Bring your own first aid kit and cell phone. Attach it to your body, not your horse or saddle.
Ride with a buddy.
Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
Carry a compass and a trail map.
Although the rule is that cyclists and hikers yield to horses, be prepared for that not to happen.
If your horse kicks, tie something red in its tail.
Make sure to leave enough distance between horses. You should be able to see the hooves of the horse in front of you.
California State Parks provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.
Do you think our six-legged neighbors are creepy or cool? Join us to take a closer look at the world of insects. Learn about fierce predators, plant munchers, and nectar sippers and how they get a meal. We’ll search for insects, play a game, and design our own imaginary insects.
Meet at Laurel Nook Picnic Area. June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Park at the Diablo Overlook parking area next to Juniper Campground (see yellow circle on map below). There is a $10 per vehicle entry fee.
