2025 Editorial Calendar
Hello Neighbors
Welcome to July! The heart of summer has arrived, bringing sunshine, celebration, and the unmistakable smell of backyard barbecues. This month, we mark Independence Day—a time to reflect on our nation’s history and enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. Fireworks, flags, and festivities fill the air as communities gather to honor the birth of the United States.
In this issue, you can test your knowledge of all things Fourth of July with a fun and challenging quiz crafted by Karen Walker—a perfect way to brush up on your patriotic IQ. We’ve also dedicated an entire page to local 4th of July events (page 20), so you can plan where to catch the fireworks, parades, and celebrations happening right here in our own backyard.
July isn’t just about the Fourth. It’s also National Ice Cream Month, so go ahead and treat yourself! And if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors, it’s a great time to explore parks, hiking trails, and community events during National Parks and Recreation Month.
We’re also proud this month to welcome three wonderful new advertisers for you: Lifesaver Plumbing & Rooter, a team of highly trained, trusted plumbers who prioritize integrity, transparency, and getting the job done right the first time; St. David of Wales Catholic School, offering an exceptional and safe environment dedicated to academic excellence, moral and spiritual growth, and fostering strong community and lifelong friendships; and Coil & Spring, renowned for their beautiful custom upholstery and craftsmanship that truly transforms your space.
Whatever your plans this summer—traveling, relaxing, or just staying cool—we hope this issue adds a little spark to your July.
Wishing you a joyful and safe Independence Day!
Susie | Jacqueline
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Independence Day Trivia Quiz
How much do you really know...?
1
Before independence, how many British colonies existed along the Eastern coast of what is now the United States?
o 7
o 10
o 13
o 15
2 What event took place in 1773 that fueled colonial resistance to British rule?
o Lexington and Concord
o Boston Tea Party
o The Stamp Act
o Washington’s inauguration
3 Where did the First Continental Congress meet in 1774?
o Boston, Massachusetts
o Williamsburg, Virginia
o Carpenters’ Hall, Philadelphia
o New York City
4
True or False: In 1775, most colonists immediately wanted independence from Great Britain.
5 What pamphlet, published in early 1776, helped stir public support for independence?
o The Federalist Papers
o Poor Richard’s Almanack
o Common Sense
o The American Crisis
6 Who introduced the resolution for independence on June 7, 1776?
o John Adams
o Benjamin Franklin
o Richard Henry Lee
o George Washington
7 Which future president was the primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence?
o John Adams
o Thomas Jefferson
o James Madison
o Alexander Hamilton
8 On what date did Congress vote in favor of independence?
o July 2, 1776
o July 4, 1776
o July 14, 1776
o June 7, 1776
9
What date is officially celebrated as America’s Independence Day?
o July 2
o July 3
o July 4
o July 5
10 What city held the first annual July 4th celebration in 1777?
o Boston
o New York
o Philadelphia
o Charleston
11 Which U.S. president was born on the Fourth of July?
o James Monroe
o John Adams
o Calvin Coolidge
o Thomas Jefferson
12 What unusual coincidence occurred on July 4, 1826?
o The signing of the Constitution
o George Washington’s funeral
o The deaths of Jefferson and Adams
o The first fireworks in Washington, D.C.
13 What U.S. state was the first to make July 4th an official holiday?
o Virginia
o Massachusetts
o Pennsylvania
o Maryland
14 When did July 4th become a paid federal holiday?
o 1812
o 1870
o 1941
o 1901
15 What did George Washington do to celebrate Independence Day with his troops in 1778?
o Gave a speech
o Fired cannons
o Issued double rations of rum
o Ordered fireworks
JULY 1: For Goodness Snakes at Richmond Library
Tuesday, 3:30pm. 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6566
JULY 2: For Goodness Snakes at Richmond West Side Library Wednesday, 3:30pm. 135 Washington Ave, Point Richmond. 510-620-6567
JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Alphabet Storytime at Crockett Library
Wednesdays, 11:15am. Join us for Storytime. Songs, stories, and the Mystery Box await you! 991 Loring Ave. 510-787-2345
JULY 2, 16, 30: Crafternoons at Crocket Library
Wednesdays, 1pm. Stick around after storytime and lunch for Crafternoons! Just after lunch, our friend Elizabeth Herring will be by to help us with a variety of crafts over the course of the summer! We’ll provide all the supplies; all we need is you. 991 Loring Ave. 510-787-2345
JULY 5-26: Scientific Adventures at Richmond Main Library Saturdays, 1:30pm. Puff Rocket, Gravity Frog & other STEM activities for the whole family. Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561
JULY 5, 12, 19, 26: Wild About Writing Summer Camp Saturdays, 3:30pm. Level up your creative writing this summer! Elementary school-aged kids are welcome to drop in on Saturday afternoons this July for creative writing meet-ups with local grade schoolteachers, Sarah Creeley & Tina Wong. Students are encouraged, but not required, to share their work at the end of class. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420
JULY 7, 14, 21, 28: Game Night Mondays at Crockett Library
Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Come join us for Game Night every Monday at the Crockett Library! Chess, card games, other classics, and even Settlers of Catan – we’ve got the board games you’re looking for. And every THIRD Monday, get ready to roll – We’re playing Dungeons and Dragons! 991 Loring Ave. 510-787-2345
JULY 7: Uncle Jer’s Bee Show
Monday, 3:30pm. Richmond West Side Library, 135 Washington Ave. 510-620-6567
JULY 9: Cunamacue Dance Class
Wednesday, 5:30pm. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561
JULY 9-11: Beginning Crochet Summer Camp
Wednesday through Friday 1-3pm. Calling crafty kids ages 6-18: Learn to crochet at the library this summer! For kids with little or no crochet skills. All materials will be provided. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420
July 2025 EVENTS
Registration required. Please only register if you know you can make it to all three days of the camp: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/ events/67a564338fc0a3280019a4d8
JULY 11: Amphibians and Reptiles with East Bay Parks
Friday, 1:30pm. Naturalists from the East Bay Regional Park district are visiting us after Lunch at the Library! Kids come to learn the differences between reptiles, amphibians, and humans. You might even get to meet a real reptile too! This program is best for ages 6+. Registration is not required, but space may be limited. 991 Loring Ave. 510-787-2345
JULY 11, 18, 25: Adult Me Time Crafts and Conversation
Fridays, 10am. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561
JULY 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Lunch at the Crockett Library Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:30pm. Join us for Lunch at the Library at Crockett Library! We’ll have FREE, healthy lunch for kids 18 and younger, while supplies last. 991 Loring Ave. 510-787-2345
JULY 16: Demons, Creatures and Monsters in Asian Art Wednesday, 6:30pm. Explore the rich world of mythical creatures, demons, and legendary beings featured in Asian art across diverse cultures. In this engaging in-person program, a docent from the Asian Art Museum will guide us through fascinating stories and symbols that bring these extraordinary figures to life. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420
JULY 18: Family Movie & Storywalk at Refugio Park
Friday, all day! Join the Library and Hercules Parks & Recreation for Family Flix & Fun: a free movie and StoryWalk® in the park one evening each month all summer long. The movies will begin at sundown, but the StoryWalk® will be up all day. Walk along the path to each station and read the story. July Movie: The Wild & StoryWalk®: Little Bot and Sparrow by Dan Santat. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420
JULY 19: Jazz Sunday at Elks 1-4pm. Live Jazz Music and Dancing - Third Sunday of the Month - snacks available - $10/ person - 3931 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante.
JULY 19: Level Up: Board Game Meet Up Saturday, 1-4pm. Ready to level up your summer? Join us for a board game meet up where the dice roll is real and the competition is friendly! Whether you’re a tabletop pro or just game-curious, this is your chance to connect, play, and power-up your strategy skills. Open to teens and adults—because it’s never too late to level up your game night. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420
JULY 21: Dream Top Circus
Monday, 11am. Richmond Bay View Branch, 5100 Hartnett Ave. 510-620-6566
JULY 23: Chalk Art & Ice Cream
Wednesday,1pm. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561.
JULY 24: Perry Yan Magic
Thursday, 4:30pm. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561
JULY 23-25: Robotics Summer Camp with Decade Prep
Wednesday through Friday, 1-3pm. Level Up your coding and engineering knowledge and get the chance to operate a simple robot! Join us for a hands-on workshop in the growing field of competitive robotics. Taught by highly skilled high schoolers who have achieved awards in competitive world championships, and who want to make STEM more accessible to the community. For kids 10-13 only. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420 Registration required - please only register if you know you can make it to all three days of the camp: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/ events/67eef7a002af8d6d006219dd
JULY 26: Concert by Local Singers & Musicians
Saturday, 3pm. Miss Smith (concert director and vocal instructor) is dedicated to bringing live music performances to the community. This concert will showcase the talents of singers and instrumentalists from the Bay Area in a low-cost, friendly, air-conditioned environment in Pinole! Come hear some wonderful singers. Everyone is invited. See some of Miss Smith’s previous concerts at misssmithpresents.com. Christ the Lord Episcopal Church, 592 Tennent Avenue, Pinole (across Tennent Ave. from the Fernandez Park baseball field.) ctl.welcome@gmail.com.
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: Free Summer Camp for Kindergarten-6th Grade
9:30am-12:30pm. First Presbyterian church, 3415 Barrett Ave. Richmond. 510-234-0954 Register at http://pcrichmond.org/
JULY 29 MARIELAS MUSIC
Tuesday, 11am. Richmond West Side Library, 135 Washington Ave, Point Richmond. 510-620-6567
JULY 30: MESSY ART DAY
Wednesday, 10:30am. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-6561
JULY 31: BYE BYE BUBBLE PARTY
Thursday, 1pm. Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-620-656
FARMERS MARKETS
EL CERRITO PLAZA
Tuesdays and Saturdays - 9 am to 1 pm
3060 El Cerrito Plaza, Parking Lot (South West Corner)
RICHMOND
Fridays 7am - 5pm
325 Civic Center Plaza In front of the main Richmond Public Library
MARINA BAY
Sunday 10am - 2pm Marina Bay Park Regatta Blvd & Melville Square
PINOLE
Saturdays 9am-1pm 798 Fernandez Avenue Pinole
MARTINEZ
Sunday 10am - 1pm 700 Main Street, Martinez
KENSINGTON
Sunday 9am - 2pm 1560 Oak View Avenue Colusa Avenue & Santa Fe Avenue
RICHMOND CIVIC CENTER
May through November Wednesdays 10am-2pm Park Place & Richmond Avenue
POINT RICHMOND
May through September Wednesdays 4pm-8pm Nevin Avenue and 13th Street
SAN PABLO
June to September
Saturday 10am - 2pm 13831 San Pablo Avenue
EL SOBRANTE
10am-2pm Sundays 5166 Sobrante Avenue, El Sobrante
July Trivia:Fourth The Original and HistoryFascinating of July 4th
BY MIKE BREEN
Mike Breen is a retired, exceptionally talented marketer serving Fortune 500 companies, the founder and provocateur of Parallel Thinking, and the author of “Constitutional Cuisine” (pending publication).
Each year July 4th rolls around and the first thing most of us think about is “fireworks!” But 251 years ago, there was no “United States of America.” Instead, there were just 13 British colonies strewn along what is now our nation’s Eastern coast, namely New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
By 1774, frustration with British rule from “across the pond” and England’s increasingly burdensome taxation—imposed without representation of those being taxed—led to the infamous Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) and ultimately to the formation of the Continental Congress.
At the First Continental Congress, delegates from twelve of the Thirteen Colonies met at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia from September 5 to October 26, 1774, to debate and discuss how best to respond to British demands on the colonists, merchant trade and more. Colonists generally favored England at the time and sought to be fairly taxed and ruled, but even so, what became the American Revolutionary War was beginning to brew.
At the outbreak of fighting in April 1775, few colonists wanted complete independence from Great Britain. Those who did were thought to be radical. By the middle of the following year, however, sentiments had shifted and many more colonists now favored independence.
Then, in August 1775, a royal proclamation from Great Britain declared that the King’s American subjects were “engaged in open and avowed rebellion.”
Later that year, the British Parliament passed the American Prohibitory Act, which made all American vessels and cargoes forfeit to the Crown.
And in May 1776, the Congress learned that the King had negotiated treaties with German states to hire mercenaries to fight in America.
The weight of these actions combined to convince many Americans that the mother country was treating the colonies as a foreign entity.
Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in early 1776, fueled the growing hostility of the colonists against Britain and helped spread American revolutionary sentiments.
In June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later called Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. The Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence.
Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee that included Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York. They were charged to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.
American Independence Birthday – July 4th
Years later, reflecting on those times, Thomas Jefferson wrote, in 1823, that the other members of the committee “unanimously pressed on myself alone to undertake the draught [sic]. I consented; I drew it; but before I reported it to the committee I communicated it separately to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, requesting their corrections. . . I then wrote a fair copy, reported it to the committee, and from them, unaltered to the Congress.”
Jefferson’s account reflects three stages in the life of the Declaration of Independence:
1. the document originally written by Jefferson;
2. the changes to that document made by Franklin and Adams, resulting in the version that was submitted by the Committee of Five to the Congress; and
3. the version that was eventually adopted.
On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively).
On that same day, after the vote, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations
from one End of this Continent to the other.”
Two days later, on July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, formal adoption of the Declaration took place two days later, and thus the 4th became the day celebrated as the birth of American independence.
Celebrating the 4th of July
In the Pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speech-making.
During the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty. But more commonly, from this summer forward, July 4th festivities included concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets, usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before a key American victory at Yorktown, the state of Massachusetts became the first to make July 4th an official state holiday
In 1778, across the Atlantic Ocean, Ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that al-
lowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity.
By the last decade of the 18th century, two major political parties—the “Federalists” and the “Democratic-Republicans”— had formed. Each held separate Independence Day celebrations in many of the large cities.
July 4th Becomes A National Holiday
The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th an unpaid holiday for federal workers.
In 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.
In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, the Fifth President of the United States, also died on July 4, several years later, in 1831.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. President, was born on July 4, 1872, and thus the only President to be born on Independence Day.
by Karen Walker
FIREWORKS AND FAIRS
When asked what are your fav summer events, the overwhelming response was “July 4th Fireworks” and “local Fairs”… so instead of a Just Curious(™) article… Here’s a list; enjoy!!
OFFICIAL FIREWORKS:
THURS, JULY 3RD (5PM-10PM)
CITY OF RICHMOND JULY 3RD
FIREWORKS & CELEBRATION
Marina Bay Park (fireworks begin around 9:00pm) Fireworks, food and fun
FRI, JULY 4 (11AM-5PM)
CITY OF EL CERRITO JULY 4TH FESTIVAL
Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave —Music, classic cars, food, bounce houses, vendors and more Free to attend. Rides, bounce houses require paid tickets or wristband. More info: https://caelcerritoweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/ web/splash.html
FRI, JULY 4 (7AM- )
CITY OF HERCULES EXPO, 5K, PARADE
Refugio Valley Park, Hercules 7am-Expo opens | 8:30am-Dynamite 5K run 11am-Parade | Info: https://hrcrotaryclub.org/
FRI, JULY 4TH (6:30PM-9:30PM)
CITY OF PINOLE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Pinole Valley High School, Music, food, children’s activities, parade and drone show at sundown. More info: pinole.gov/event_ list/4th-of-july-celebration/
FRI, JULY 4TH (5PM-9PM)
CITY OF SAN PABLO 4TH OF JULY
San Pablo Community Center, Music, food, carnival games, Viva Santana Tribute Band, drone light show at dusk…More info: sanpabloca.gov/1454/4th-of-July-Multi-CulturalCelebration
FRI, JULY 4TH (10AM-NOON)
ANNUAL DOWNTOWN MARTINEZ
4TH OF JULY
City of Martinez, Parade starts at 10am, Flag Raising Ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Building, More info: downtownmartinez. org/4th-of-july-parade
FRI, JULY 4TH (11AM-3PM)
CITY OF ALBANY’S 4TH OF JULY IN THE PARK
Memorial Park, 1325 Portland Ave.
Music, food trucks, kids zone, free ice cream. More info: albanyca.gov/EventsListing/2025/4th-of-July
SUMMER FAIRS:
JULY 11-JULY 27, 2025
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento
A 170-year tradition showcasing the Best of California—Exhibit Hall, Cavalcade of Horses, Petting Zoo, Competitions (craft beer, baking, livestock, wines, olive oil, crafts, ag mechanics, photography, fine art, pie-eating, chef challenges, California cheesemakers, BBQ ribs and more), Expert Classes (on wine, cider, food, tea & floral arrangements), concerts, rides…More info: https://castatefair.com
AUG 30-31, 2025
159TH SCOTTISH HIGHLAND
GATHERING & GAMES
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton Scottish competition, culture and entertainment for the family, including Scottish Highland dancing, sheepdog trials, archery, piping & drumming, music, living history demos, Scottish athletic championships, whiskey tasting, food, Massing of the Bands—hundreds of pipers & drummers perform together in an unforgettable display, learn about Scottish history, clans, heritage, All welcome…More info: https://thescottishgames.com/
NEXT QUESTION (Deadline: July 25, 2025)
Q. LET US KNOW YOUR FAVORITE BASEBALL PLAYER(S)... AND WHY?
Please submit your response by July 25, 2025 — including your name (as you’d like to see it in print) and city — to: sales@ccmarketplacemag.com
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BUSINESS
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
D ON ’S REA L ES TATE UPDATE
WHY S TAGI NG STI LL MATT ERS TO B U YE RS
Home prices and mortgage rates might dominate the headlines, but staging still proves to be a powerful strategy. An impressive 83% of buyer’s agents said staging helps buyers visualize a property as their future home.
TH E C LE AR WI NNE R: STAGE THIS R OO M FIRS T
Kitchen and bathrooms might get the renovation dollars, but when it comes to staging, the living room reigns supreme. 37% of buyer’s agents said this followed by 34% saying the primary bedroom was most important.
WHAT A BO UT TH E KI TCH EN A ND BED R OO M?
While these rooms are important, if the seller’s budget is limited focus on the living room and primary bedroom and do virtual staging with the other less
DOE S STAGI NG REALLY R AIS E YO UR SA LE PRIC E?
Absolutely. According to the NAR 2025 report 17% of buyer’s agents say it increased the price by 1% to 5%, with 10% reporting it raised it by 6% to 10%, which can translate into tens of thousands of dollars. It also pl a key role in visibility because buyers are more incline to visit a property if it is staged. The more eyeballs on a property increases sales opportunity.
Years of design shows have raised the bar with 48% of agents saying their clients expect homes to look straight out of HGTV.
