the
July/August
OUTLOOK
Published by the City of Pleasant Hill, California
2026
Celebrating 50 Years of Community Pride: Pleasant Hill's 4th of July Celebration The Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission is preparing for one of the most meaningful and historic Independence Day celebrations in our community's history. This year proudly marks the 50th anniversary of its beloved 4th of July Celebration, while our nation celebrates America's 250th birthday. Together, these milestones make this year's event a celebration of community, patriotism, and five decades of bringing neighbors together. The Pleasant Hill 4th of July Celebration, organized by the volunteer-led Commission, has become one of the community's most cherished traditions and is powered by sponsors, community partnerships, and residents who believe in preserving traditions that strengthen the fabric of our city. The 4th of July Commission was formed in 1976 during America's Bicentennial celebration, making this year's golden anniversary especially symbolic. The day kicks off in Downtown Pleasant Hill as families, runners, and spectators line the streets to cheer on participants of the annual Firecracker 5K and Kids 100-Yard Dash. Funds from the 5K are donated to our Pleasant Hill Schools. Following the morning races, the Downtown Parade begins at 9:30 a.m., featuring local schools, community organizations, businesses, civic groups, music, floats, and plenty of patriotic spirit. Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, which is celebrating its own milestone of 75 years, will be celebrated as the parade's Grand Marshall. After the parade, the celebration continues over at Pleasant Hill Park with the ever-popular “Party in the Park.” Residents can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, games, children's attractions, and opportunities to connect with
neighbors and local organizations. As the sun sets, the festivities move to College Park High School for a viewing party of the “Best Fireworks Show in the East Bay”. Families gather with blankets and lawn chairs while enjoying music, food, and an electric atmosphere leading up to the fireworks spectacular. The evening fireworks show has become a signature tradition and one of the highlights of the entire day. This year's celebration is not just about honoring the past. It is about showing up for our community today. In a time when people are increasingly disconnected, local traditions like Pleasant Hill's 4th of July Celebration remind us of the importance of civic pride, community involvement, and spending time together as neighbors. Pleasant Hill has spent five decades building one of the East Bay's most beloved Independence Day traditions. This year, as America turns 250, there has never been a better time to be part of it. For the full event schedule, race registration information, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and parade details, visit phjuly4.com. We’ll see you on the 4th!
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Pleasant Hill becomes fully District-based in November The City of Pleasant Hill is entering into its second District-based election season, since transitioning in 2023 from an AtLarge voting system. For residents and potential candidates, the City has information to help learn how to find your district, and what the process is heading into the November 3, 2026 General Election. n District-based elections At its July 17, 2023 meeting, the Pleasant Hill City Council approved Ordinance No. 963 transitioning the City to a District-based election system. A map of the five districts is below. Five City Council members will continue to serve four-year terms. However, on November 5, 2024, residents of Districts One, Two, and Five elected councilmembers, whose
terms expire in November 2028, to three of the five election districts. For the November 3, 2026 General Election, Pleasant Hill registered voters who reside in Districts Three and Four will elect a City Councilmember to their districts. A District-based Council provides the opportunity for greater awareness of the positive qualities and challenges within the district and gives residents a more localized point of contact. The Council will continue to convene as one decision-making body that serves all of Pleasant Hill. Councilmembers who were elected in 2022 through an at-large election, will remain in office through November 2026, when their terms conclude. All eligible residents of Districts Three and Four, including the current at-large councilmembers, may run for City Council in 2026. n How to find your electoral district Voters and potential Candidates may use the My District Look-up tool (www.phillca.gov/mydistrict) to verify the Working on district in which they reside. During the Oak Park Intersection 2026 General Election, only residents of Districts Three and Four will vote for candidates running in their specific district. S What to know about running for City Council Residents of Districts Three and Four, who are at least 18 years of age and registered to vote, may run during the November 3, 2026, General Election. Potential candidates may pull nominating
papers from the Pleasant Hill City Clerk beginning July 13, 2026. The deadline to file as a candidate in the General Election is August 7, 2026. More information regarding the elections process is available at the City's website, www.phillca.gov/1681/2026Election. n Ballot drop boxes available in four locations For those wishing to vote by mail in the upcoming November General Election, there are four ballot drop box locations in the City of Pleasant Hill. The locations are: 1. Pleasant Hill City Hall— 100 Gregory Lane 2. Pleasant Hill Public Service Center— 310 Civic Dr. 3. Pleasant Hill Library— 2 Monticello Ave 4. Diablo Valley College— south of parking lot 8. The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is October 19, 2026.
Pride celebration in October The Pleasant Hill Diversity Commission invites you to mark your calendars for October 8, 2026 from 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. to celebrate Pride. In partnership with Off the Grid, join the Diversity Commission on the City Hall lawn to honor and uplift the LGBTQI+ community. Throughout the summer, cities across the Bay Area are hosting Pride festivals and activities, and the Diversity Commission will close out the celebration series with a Pride event to recognize National Coming Out Day (October 11). The Pride event, on October 8, just three days before the observance, will include community resources, entertainment, and a meaningful celebration of inclusion, visibility, and pride.
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News from the City... Osaka Marketplace brings new energy to Pleasant Hill Residents may have noticed a new 'Coming Soon' sign on Crescent Drive announcing the arrival of Osaka Marketplace, a 42,000-square-foot Japanese grocery and specialty retail destination. This early signage marks an exciting step forward for one of the most anticipated additions to Downtown Pleasant Hill and highlights the strong economic momentum building across the city. Osaka Marketplace is already drawing regional attention for its scale and unique offerings. Local media outlets and partner organizations have noted the project's potential to become a major anchor within the Downtown area, creating a new draw for shoppers and visitors. Its arrival reflects
Pleasant Hill's ongoing efforts to attract high-quality businesses that enhance both community life and the local economy. The project is expected to deliver several community benefits, including increased shopping and dining options, more foot traffic supporting nearby businesses, a new regional attraction, and job creation during construction and after opening. City departments and economic development partners are preparing for Osaka Marketplace's successful integration into Downtown with coordinated planning efforts. The 'Coming Soon' sign represents more than construction progress. It signals a new chapter of investment, activity, and opportunity for Pleasant Hill. As Osaka Marketplace continues toward its opening, the City looks forward to sharing updates and welcoming this exciting addition to the community.
Welcome, SUMMER,
Visit Pleasant Hill launches new tourism website
from the Commission on Aging
Summer's longer days, warmer weather, and increased daylight can help us feel safer and more comfortable at home. It's also the perfect time to reassess your living environment, create a seasonal to-do list, and tackle projects that can reduce household risks and support successful aging in place. We invite you to join our upcoming workshop, “Home Safety: Confident at Home.” Before the fall season arrives, you'll leave with a personalized action plan and greater confidence in addressing important home safety concerns related to aging at home. Topics included + Medication safety solutions + Identifying and reducing fall risks at home + Strength and balance strategies for navigating high-risk areas + Utility and emergency safety preparedness + Tips for hiring trustworthy home service providers
Visit Pleasant Hill recently launched a fully redesigned website, visitpleasanthill.com, to help promote Pleasant Hill as an overnight destination and make it easier for people to discover local hotels, restaurants, events, and things to do. As Pleasant Hill's destination marketing organization, Visit Pleasant Hill works to generate awareness and attract visitors who support local businesses and contribute to the local economy through overnight stays, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The new website includes upgraded trip-planning tools designed to reflect how people search for travel and experiences today. An AI-powered feature through Mindtrip helps users build customized itineraries based on interests, while the integrated Seeker calendar provides an easy way to explore local and regional events and activities. While designed to attract visitors, the site can also serve as a helpful resource for residents looking for dining ideas, upcoming events, or recommendations to share with visiting friends and family. The redesigned platform is part of Visit Pleasant Hill's ongoing efforts to strengthen the city's visibility within the Bay Area travel market and support the local hospitality industry. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the new tools and experience the updated site at visitpleasanthill.com.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Pleasant Hill City Hall building, located at, located at 100 Gregory Lane. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information about the Commission On Aging's events, please visit us at: https://www.phillca.gov/ 1047/Events.
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News from the City... Get ready for Community Service Day 2026 The Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission is inviting residents to submit project ideas and sign up for the 2026 Community Service Day, taking place on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community Service Day is an annual tradition that brings Pleasant Hill residents together to lend a helping hand to neighbors, local nonprofits, and schools. Projects may include assisting seniors with yard work, refurbishing and distributing bicycles, creek cleanup, and more. This year, volunteers will also once again collect food donations to support the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties. The day begins with a complimentary pancake breakfast hosted by the Pleasant Hill Lions Club. Volunteers should arrive at Pleasant Hill Park at 8:00 a.m. to check in and receive the always-popular commemorative volunteer T-shirt before heading out to project sites. Have an idea for a community project? Residents are encouraged to submit project proposals online by August 14, 2026. Volunteer registration opens August 3, 2026. Gather your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors and join in this rewarding community tradition!
Celebrate National Night Out with PHPD On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the Pleasant Hill Police Department and City of Pleasant Hill will once again recognize National Night Out at City Hall (100 Gregory Ln.) Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. This annual community-building campaign seeks to promote policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. This year's National Night Out will include bouncy houses, face painting, a community BBQ, snow cones, tours of a police car - and so much more! The event will also feature an assortment of informational booths staffed by community partners and businesses, such as our local fire department, members of the American Medical Response (AMR), and our local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) who will be on-site to share information and resources available to all of our Pleasant Hill residents.
For more information or to submit a project idea, please visit: www.phillca.gov/csd.
For more information about National Night Out or to learn how you can sponsor, contact Pleasant Hill Police Department Investigations at (925) 288-4630 or nwatch@pleasanthillpd.org.
Serving seniors in Pleasant Hill for 25 years
25 years at $1.50 each way, maintaining mobility options for senior residents. The Senior Van Service is operated by friendly volunteer drivers and schedulers who report that the passengers who use this transportation resource are so appreciative and grateful. Every volunteer enjoys this rewarding opportunity to help seniors in our community. This program came to fruition in 2001 through the drive and vision of Commission on Aging commissioner Shirley Huyck. Shirley, who passed away in 2021, steered this service for almost 15 years. If you or someone you know could benefit from the van service, go to https://phillca.gov/402/Senior-Van-Information to download the application or call (925) 671-5272 to have an application mailed to you.
—Kathy Arras, Senior Van Volunteer
Congratulations to the City of Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service. This year marks the 25th year this service has provided affordable transportation for Pleasant Hill seniors (55+) to take care of medical and dental appointments, grocery, banking, recreation, and other needs in and around the city. The cost of a ride in the wheelchairaccessible van has remained the same across
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News from the City...
E-Bike Safety
Stories of Us: Highlighting the Voices and Journeys of the People of Pleasant Hill —Liz Nunan, Diversity Commission
Get to Know Cara Leyva The Pleasant Hill Diversity Commission's new Outlook series “Stories of Us” celebrates what makes our city truly special: our people. In this issue, we feature Cara Leyva, an active community member and the independent operator of Grocery Outlet in Pleasant Hill and Concord. Cara moved to the Bay Area four years ago to open her Pleasant Hill location, following a path paved by her family's legacy in the grocery industry. With a heritage blending Mexican, Irish, and German roots, she takes immense pride in her background and the diverse perspectives each side of her family brings to her life. She celebrates her culture personally and professionally by creating opportunities for a diverse staff and ensuring her stores carry the Hispanic products her customers love at affordable prices. It is vital to Cara that people feel represented, welcomed, and seen when they shop in her stores. Beyond the aisles, Cara is a pillar of local service. As a Pleasant Hill Rotary Club board member and a CASA volunteer for foster youth, she translates her values into action. Her stores also partner with St. Vincent de Paul to provide discounted groceries to local families in need. For Cara, belonging is found in the everyday: "It's knowing customers by name and running into friends while out for coffee. People here show up in big ways to support local businesses and one another. It feels like home.”
Student Art at City Hall —Aaron Edell, Education Commissioner
The City Hall Art Display program rotates student and community artwork through the lobby year-round, giving young artists a real audience and venue. Every quarter brings a new school and group of artists whose work deserves to be seen. This summer, Valley View Middle School takes over the lobby, and in the fall, the Pleasant Hill Arts Guild brings adult work into the mix. Gregory Gardens Elementary takes the winter slot, followed by Pleasant Hill Middle, Fair Oaks Elementary, and Hidden Valley Elementary rotating through 2027. Nearly every public school in Pleasant Hill will have its turn to display art. The program is not a single school's showcase; it is a deliberate effort to ensure students from across the district all get a moment on the wall. A first grader's piece this winter will be in the same lobby that a College Park senior's piece was in this spring. City Hall is open during regular business hours, and admission is free. If you have ten minutes between errands, stop in. Bring your kids. Take pictures. Tell the artists you saw it. The Education Commission's mission is to serve as ambassadors between the Pleasant Hill City Council and the school communities, and the art display program is one of the clearest expressions of that mission we have. To learn more about how schools are selected, or if you are a teacher or art coordinator interested in future cycles, come to one of our monthly meetings (the last Thursday of every month, always open to the public).
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The use of e-bikes by children and teenagers continues to grow. Unfortunately, so do e-bike injuries and fatalities. The Pleasant Hill Police Department would like to offer four e-bike safety tips in the hopes of keeping our community safe and injury-free. Know your e-bike classification. There are three different types of e-bike classifications, each one with specific age, speed and safety requirements. Before purchasing or renting an e-bike for yourself or your child, familiarize yourself with the e-bike classification that is appropriate for you. WEAR A HELMET. Helmets are vital protective gear that has the potential to save your life and safeguard wearers against significant injury. Every bicyclist under 18 is required by law to wear a helmet (and if you have a Class 3 e-bike, a helmet must always be worn, regardless of your age). AVOID SPEEDING. E-bikes can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour or more. However, the faster you go, the longer it takes to react to unexpected hazards that often occur. E-bike riders are advised that speed limits are in place for everyone (motorists AND cyclists) and each rider should also take care to maintain a speed that allows them to safely navigate the road and provide them with enough time to brake when needed. PAY ATTENTION TO TRAFFIC. When riding your bicycle, follow the rules of the road—the same as you would if driving a vehicle. Stop signs and red lights apply to everyone in a car or on a bike. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: E-bikes and Emotorcycles are not the same. Prior to purchasing your child any motorized device, confirm that you understand what the rules, laws and requirements are. E-motorcycles are governed by the same laws and rules that standard motorcycles are subject to, including every rider being in possession of a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement and current/ valid insurance.
PH Rec & Park in action... Coming Soon! Fall 2026/Winter 2027 Spotlight Watch for the latest issue of the Spotlight recreation activity guide coming to mailboxes in early August! Registration opens on August 10, 2026, for District residents and on August 12 for non- District residents. Explore the ways for all ages to play from September 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The Spotlight will be available in print in District community facilities or online at PleasantHillRec.com. Youth & Teen Camps Boredom-busting youth and teen classic and specialty camps still available in July! Browse all the fun options online at PleasantHillRec.com. KIDSTOP Children's Center (Grades TK-5) Gregory Gardens Elementary School, 1 Corritone Court, Pleasant Hill KIDSTOP Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m
THE TEEN SCENE t Teen Afterschool
Program (Grades 6–12) Monday–Friday, school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. 2026–2027 Rates: $13.50/day | $17.50/day with transportation from VVMS and PHMS. Annual membership fee: $100/$80 (Dist. Res.) t Pleasant Hill Teen Council now accepting applications for 2026–2027 Entering grades 6–12. A leadership and community service opportunity for teens! Teen Council members plan activities, classes, events, and trips for their peers, as well as volunteer at local community events throughout the year. Applications available at PleasantHillRec.com/322.
Looking for before and after school childcare? KIDSTOP has begun registration for the 2026-2027 school year. KIDSTOP is a fun and nurturing childcare environment, specializing in science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) inspired activities before and after school. The professional PH Rec & Park staff ensures your child is engaged and interacts with peers in positive and meaningful ways. Catch a ride! KIDSTOP provides after-school transportation from Pleasant Hill Elementary, Sequoia Elementary, Strandwood Elementary, and Valhalla Elementary schools (TK-5). KIDSTOP also provides transportation to Valhalla from early morning care at KIDSTOP (K-5). Reserve your child's spot early! Visit pleasanthillrec.com/267 to reserve your child's place in the program and for program information.
SUMMER AQUATICS ACTIVITIES KEEP COOL AT THE POOL! t August Pre-Swim & Swim Team Clinics
Pre-Swim Team Clinic is designed for swimmers who want to join a swim team. New swimmers must register for and attend the free swim try out on August 8. Pre-Swim Clinic runs from 8/11-9/3. Time varies by age group (4-5 yrs, 6-8 yrs, & 9+yrs). Swim Team Clinic is for returning recreational swimmers and must have swim team experience or get coach approval. Swim Team Clinic runs from 8/10-9/2. Time varies by age group (8 & under, 8-11 yrs, 11+ yrs). Registration opens July 6 (Dist. Res.)/July 8 (Non. Res.) Both clinics fill up fast. For more information, visit PleasantHillRec.com/240 or call (925) 682-0896. t Water Fitness For a refreshing and effective low-impact workout, try our water fitness activities including Lap Swim, Aqua Zumba, and/or Water Aerobics. Visit PleasantHillRec.com/ 260 t 75 Miles for 75 Years! Celebrate Pleasant Hill Rec & Park District's 75th Anniversary with the ultimate Lap Swim Challenge. Swim and track 75 miles between January 5 and December 5, 2026, to earn a limited-edition anniversary swim cap. Reach additional milestones along the way to score bonus prizes. 75 miles. One year. You've got this! Register at: https://bit.ly/PHRecLapSwimChallenge26
NEW! MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS ALLIANCE LEAGUE Pleasant Hill Rec & Park is now leading the Middle School Sports Alliance League, open to all middle school students. The District will launch three sports during the school year, starting with Flag Football this Fall. Girl and boy teams will be organized by school and feature school-branded jerseys. Home school and private school students are welcome. Registration is now open and closes August 14. Tryouts will be held the week of August 17. Teams will practice once per week after school beginning August 31, followed by a sixgame season with Friday night games at Pleasant Hill Park. A discounted skill development practice squad will be available for students who do not make a team. Registration fees are $250 or $200 for District residents. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit PleasantHillRec.com/242.
For Adult Drop-In Sports, Enrichment and Fitness Classes, and Senior activity information, visit www.PleasantHillRec.com.
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News from the City...
PH Rec & Park in action... t 15th Annual Pleasant Hill Blues & Brews Festival
July 17, 2026 | “Country Night” Pre-Party | 6:00–9:00 p.m.; July 18, 2026 | Main Festival | 4:00–9:00 p.m.; Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Ln Visit Event Website at www.BluesAndBrews Festival.com. t Cheers to 15 Years! The free Pleasant Hill Blues & Brews Festival returns July 17-18 at Pleasant Hill Park with live music, local craft brews, food trucks, craft vendors, and community fun for all ages. Friday night’s Country Night Pre-Party features live music on the WiseGirl Stage from Secret Sauce and Jewels Hanson & Co., plus dancing, food, and summer vibes. Saturday’s festival music lineup includes Andre Thierry (soul/zydeco), Native Elements (reggae), and Pop Rocks (pop/rock). Saturday festivities also include a KidZone with familyfriendly activities. Guests 21+ can purchase a Saturday Brewers Tasting Pass for unlimited samples from participating breweries in the Julie McCoy Realty Beer Garden. Single-pour beer, wine, and alternative beverages will be available for purchase both nights. Live music, cold brews, and local vibes come together for one unforgettable event at the park. This is what the best summer weekends are made of. Learn more at BluesAndBrewsFestival.com. t World Fusion Festival FREE Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane A celebration of food, music and culture! This new event features a vibrant mix of food, live performances, and a marketplace of artisan arts and crafts. The Fusion Festival is a celebration of the rich cultures that makes our community shine. More event info and vendor applications available at PleasantHillRec.com. t Event Sponsorships Interested in sponsoring District events? Contact Stephanie Herriman, Special Events Coordinator, at events@pleasanthillrec.com. t Event Volunteering Interested in supporting local District events? Join the volunteer mailing list at PleasantHillRec.com/700.
Summer Bike Challenge Explore your town from the seat of a bike! Looking for free summertime activities, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 CCTA’s Summeer Bike Challenge. The summer Bike Challenge will get you outside and on the move with this no-cost and non-competitive biking program for people of all ages. Throughout summer, you’ll bike to points of interest featured on the Pleasant Hill unique gameboard, filled with bikeable destinations. Simply ride to each location and cross off the squares as you go—like BINGO! Share your pictures in our online Photo Gallery. Weekly Bonus Prize Challenges will send you on extra rides to capture new Challenge Themes with chances to win $20 gift cards, drawings, and an iPad Grand Prize. The summer Bike Challenge is free, fun, and healthy—the perfect summertime activity for people of all ages.
About Bike Family Fest Bike Family Fest (BFF) is a free, one-day community bicycle celebration focused on building bicycle skills, confidence, and ridership throughout Contra Costa County as a follow-on from our Walk N Roll programs now at five of the six schools in Pleasant Hill. Weekly Walk N Roll encourages families to bike or walk instead of drive to school. Because of a huge increase in ridership to school, the Bike Family Fest has grown out of Walk N Roll as a one-day event to support families who want to ride bikes. The BFF is held on September 13 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Diablo Valley College's Overflow Parking lot. The event provides a safe, car-free environment where children and families can learn a variety of “bike things” including bicycle safety, maintenance, and riding skills. This event will increase bike ridership in Pleasant Hill by equipping families with knowledge and skills to feel confident to ride their bikes. Through partnerships with local schools, bicycle shops, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community volunteers, BFF offers free family-friendly activities including bike safety checks, obstacle courses, helmet fitting, tire care, chain maintenance education, music, food, and community engagement. Through collaboration among the Bike Family Fest planning committee, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), the City of Pleasant Hill, the City of Martinez, and community partners, this event has grown into a valued yearly tradition. Now in its 5th year, organizers are excited to bring more BFF's to the event to educate and build bicycle skills. Bring your bike and join us on: Sunday, Sept 13, 2026, 10-2 p.m., 440 Golf Club Rd Website: www.walknrolltoschool.org/bff Instagram: www.instagram/walknrollpleasanthill/
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News from the Library... FOR TEENS
Open Mon/Tue from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wed/Thu from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri/Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
u Keith Miles Music
Tuesday, July 14 | 6:30 p.m. Join us for a concert for kids! Keith will play a selection of rock 'n' roll and folk songs. Audience participation is encouraged. u Mike's Summer Reading
Magic Show! Tuesday, July 21 | 6:30 p.m. Mike's Summer Reading Magic Show! Celebrate the magic of reading with this fun and highly participatory magic show for all ages!
u Summer Reading Keychains
Tuesday, July 7 | 1:00 p.m. Drop into the Maker Space and pick out a themed wooden keychain to decorate! No reservations required. This event is for tweens and teens (11-18) as supplies last.
FOR ALL AGES u Summer Reading 2026
“Plant a Seed, Read!” June 1 – August 1, 2026 Ready, set, grow! The Contra Costa County Library's 2026 summer literacy program is all about feeding your body and your mind! Whether you're planting a flower garden, growing your next meal, or fueling your brain, the library is your greatest resource in finding everything you need to thrive this summer. Every Reader who completes a passport or the online challenge with Beanstack is eligible for a free book and a chance to win prizes.
u Henna for Teens
u Captain Jack Spareribs
Tuesday, August 11 | 6:30 p.m. Ahoy, book lovers! Join Jack Spareribs for a swashbuckling, ribtickling comedy show full of magic and surprises, a talking monkey and highseas hijinks—perfect for readers and adventurers of all ages.
FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES u Fairy Gnome Garden Homes
Tuesday, July 7 | 6:30 p.m. Craft a charming, tiny garden perfect for a fairy home. Garden cuttings will be provided by the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery.
Tuesday, July 14 | 1:00 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon Henna class for tweens and teens, 11 to 18, with local artist Rachel-Anne Palacios. Each teen will also receive a professional henna by Rachel-Anne! Registration is required. u Introduction to Macrame
Monday, Aug 17 | 3:30 p.m. Join us after school and learn the basics of macrame cord crafting. All materials will be provided, no experience necessary. This event is just for teens, 6th to 12th grade. Registration is required. u Sewing Studio Basics:
u Bingo Night
Tuesday, August 18 | 6:30 p.m. You are cordially invited to an exciting evening of Bingo, crafts, and cool prizes!
Family Movie Night: Bye Bye Birdie Monday, July 13 | 6:00 p.m. Join us for a screening of a golden age classic. We'll be watching Bye Bye Birdie (1963) starring Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret, and Janet Leigh. This film is rated G and has a runtime of 112 minutes. This event is free to attend; no registration is required.
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Summer Session* Thursdays in July | 1:00–3:00 p.m. In this introductory workshop, tweens and teens will learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine and create a simple project to take home! No experience necessary, for tweens and teens 9 yrs to 18 yrs, registration is required. *Sewing Studio will be taking a break in August, but will be back in September!
News from the Library... FOR ADULTS and SENIORS
u East Bay Banjo Club Monday, July 27 | 6:30 p.m. Join the East Bay Banjo Club for a performance of music from the 1920s Tin Pan Alley era along with other happy banjo songs! No registration required; this toe-tapping program is free to attend. u Estate Planning for Retirees Monday, August 3 | 6:30 p.m. Join us for the first of two legal workshops! Session one focuses on estate planning for soon-to-be or recent retirees with estate planning lawyer Kristina L. Park of Park Legacy Law Firm. Kristina will walk through your state planning journey and why it's so important to prepare in advance. After the information session concludes, Kristina will offer a Q&A.
News from the City... Lace Up for the Falcon 5K Mark your calendars, Pleasant Hill—the Falcon 5K is back, and we're making it a community tradition worth showing up for. On Saturday morning, August 8, 2026, runners, walkers, families, and neighbors will gather for the Falcon 5K, a community race benefiting the College Park High School Cross Country Team. Every dollar raised goes directly to support the Falcons—covering uniforms, equipment, and travel to competitions so our student athletes can train hard and compete at their best. High school cross country is one of those sports that runs almost entirely on heart and community support. There are no big ticket sales, no packed stadiums. Programs like this thrive when the community rallies around them — and this race is how Pleasant Hill does exactly that. Whether you're chasing a PR, walking the course with a friend, or keeping your eyes peeled for a hidden Falcon—we tuck wooden Falcon medallions along the route for lucky runners to find and keep—there's something for everyone on race day! Registration is $45 and open now. Last year's event was a wonderful start—this year, we want to grow it into something Pleasant Hill looks forward to every single summer. Come run with us. Come walk with us. Come cheer.
u Plan to Protect Your Children Monday, August 31 | 6:30 p.m. Join us for the second legal workshop with local attorney Kristina L. Park of Park Legacy Law Firm. Kristina will walk us through how to create a legal protection plan for your children. She will discuss how the court system works in regard to making decisions for your children and why it's so important to prepare in advance. After the information session concludes, Kristina will offer a Q&A. u Drop-In Shop Every Monday | 6 to 8 p.m. Calling all adult tinkers and makers! Try out the tools and tech in the library's makerspace. Meet the machines and connect with other makers. Bring a project, or just your curiosity. No registration. Adults only. Signed safety waiver required. u Drop-In Knitting Every Tuesday | 6 to 8 p.m. Join an enthusiastic group of knitters Tuesday evenings in the library's Maker Space. You can drop in anytime. Any skill level or ability is welcome. The group is social and not instructional so please bring your own projects and supplies. No registration required! u Book Club 1st Monday or 2nd Friday of the month | 1:00 p.m. The Pleasant Hill Library hosts two book clubs for adults a month in our Maker Space. To see what titles they're reading next, please visit ccclib.org.
Sessions are free. Registration: https://form.jotform.com/261256381640051
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News from the Community... We're flippin' lids...checking for proper sorting! SB 1383 requires local jurisdictions to recycling in bags, please empty the monitor contamination and proper contents into your RECYCLE cart and sorting of organics and recycling by place the bag in your GARBAGE cart. performing annual route audits. + Paper plates, napkins, and paper Republic Services employees may be in towels go into the ORGANICS cart, your neighborhood throughout the not the recycle bin. year performing “lid-flips” and looking into all three of your carts—landfill, + If using bags for food or yard waste, they must be paper or BPI-certified recycling, and organics. compostable—no plastic. We are looking for proper sorting of materials in each cart and may leave an + PET WASTE goes in the GARBAGE cart, regardless of what type of bag it educational “OOPS Tag” if something is in. should have gone into a different cart. + Materials must be entirely inside the A few things to know carts with the lids closed, or you may + No bags are opened. be subject to overage fees + No contents are taken or emptied. + Call Customer Service at (925) 685+ No contents are touched. 4711 to schedule a pickup of extra + Educational tags (OOPS Tag) are
attached to cart(s). + Only a small number of streets will be
randomly selected for lid-flip audits. A few sorting suggestions based on previous audits
recycling or green waste or bulky items. Visit RepublicServices.com/PleasantHillCA for more information
+ Do not bag recyclables—place them
in the cart loose. If you collect your
More summer concerts and more fun to come! The season is in full swing with lots of great music lined up for the Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert series. Every other Sunday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. come to City Hall Lake, 100 Gregory Lane, for fantastic music, food trucks and fun. July 5 The Bell Brothers July 19 Van Goat Aug 2 Zydeco Flames
Aug 16 Aug 30
King Tritone The Big Jangle
Juneteenth in Pleasant Hill! Thank you to all who joined the Diversity Commission to celebrate Juneteenth! The holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery, was recognized in Pleasant Hill via a proclamation issued by the City Council, the Juneteenth flag raised on June 19 at City Hall and the Police Department, and a celebration event on June 5, in collaboration with the Night Market. The Diversity Commission would like to thank their sponsors for an evening of music, food, crafts and fun. MCE
Lions Club
PH Night Market
Council member Amanda Szakats
PH Rec & Park District PH Community Foundation
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Donor Network
City Meetings Meeting schedule SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please check the Agenda Center on the City’s website at www.PHillCA.gov/agendas for meeting access and agenda information.
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL 100 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3323
July WHEN
CITY OFFICIALS
WHAT
Mayor Zac Shess
WHERE
Wed 1
6:30 p.m.
Civic Action Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 2
5:00 p.m.
Architectural Review Commission
Large Community Room
Tue 7
4:00 p.m.
Traffic Safety Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 9
5:00 p.m.
Commission on Aging
Small Community Room
Thu 9
5:00 p.m.
Zoning Administrator
Public Works Conference Room
Mon 13
7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tue 14
6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
City Council Chambers
Thu 16
5:00 p.m.
Architectural Review Commission
Large Community Room
Mon 20
7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tue 21
6:30 p.m.
Diversity Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 23
5:00 p.m.
Zoning Administrator
Public Works Conference Room
Thu 23
7:00 p.m.
Education Commission
Large Community Room
Tue 28
6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
City Council Chambers
Vice-Mayor Andrei Obolenskiy Council Members Belle La l Sue Noack Amanda Szakats City Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast Channel 24, U-Verse Channel 99, and Wave Broadband Channel 1029. on first and third Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Videos of meetings are also available on the City website under “Watch Meetings.” CITY HALL HOURS Mon-Wed, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Thurs, 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
August WHEN
the
WHAT
OUTLOOK
WHERE
Mon 3
7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tue 4
4:00 p.m.
Traffic Safety Commission
Large Community Room
Wed 5
6:30 p.m.
Civic Action Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 6
5:00 p.m.
Architectural Review Commission
Large Community Room
Tue 11
6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
City Council Chambers
Thu 13
5:00 p.m.
Zoning Administrator
Public Works Conference Room
Thu 13
5:00 p.m.
Commission on Aging
Small Community Room
Mon 17
7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tue 18
6:30 p.m.
Diversity Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 20
5:00 p.m.
Architectural Review Commission
Large Community Room
Thu 25
5:00 p.m.
Zoning Administrator
Public Works Conference Room
Tue 27
6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
City Council Chambers
Thu 27
7:00 p.m.
Education Commission
Large Community Room
All meetings will be held in person. For live streaming of these meetings, go to www.phillca.gov and click on “Watch Meetings” icon
Sign up for Emergency Alerts! Residents can sign up for Nixle alerts at www.nixle.com. Register for the Community Warning System (CWS) alerts at https://cwsalerts.com.
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The Outlook newsletter is published bimonthly on recycled paper. For questions and comments, please contact the Community Relations Manager’s Office at (925) 671-5229. Editor/Writer
Liz Payne, Community Relations Manager/PIO Design/misc photos Donaghu Graphic Designs Cover photo Allen Vinson
COVER: Pleasant Hill City Hall
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Police/Fire Emergency 911 Police (Business) (925) 288-4600 Fire (Business) (925) 941-3300 Public Services Center (925) 671-4646 Chamber of Commerce (925) 687-0700 Recreation & Park District (925) 682-0896 Trash and recycling (925) 684-4711 PG&E (800) 743-5000 Senior Center (925) 798-8788 Senior Van Service (925) 671-5272 Library (925) 646-6434
the
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
OUTLOOK
PAID
CONCORD, CA PREMIT NO. 21
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL 100 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3323 www.phillca.gov
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): always ready
Inside this issue
With the smell of freshlysharpened pencils in the air and an extensive assortment of backpacks and binders back in stores, the “Back to School” season is definitely here! As part of our commitment to community safety, the Pleasant Hill Police Department is back this year to provide everyone with four safety tips that are especially important as our kids prepare to head back to class. S Slow-down in school zones. If you are driving in a school zone, slow down and obey all traffic laws. Parking along red curbs is always prohibited and drivers arriving to pick-up or drop-off kids should take care not to block driveways. Watch out for children and other pedestrians, especially approaching crosswalks. S Bike with care. Wear a helmet; helmets reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent. Leading up to the first day of class, practice bike routes with your child, ensuring they understand the rules of the road and know the safest way to and from school. When biking to school, kids of all ages should avoid distractions, including cell phones, headphones, etc. S Walk carefully. If your child(ren) will be walking to school this year, practice the route with them a couple times before the start of the school year; practice how to cross roads safely and pay attention to cars and bikes that will be sharing these routes with them. Advise children of “stranger danger,” and, if possible, encourage them to walk home with a buddy or group of friends.
4th of July November election Pride celebration Osaka Marketplace coming Welcome summer Visit Pleasant Hill tourism website
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National Night Out Community Service Day Senior Van service Stories of us: Cara Leyva E-bike safety Student Art at City Hall
CERT members stay current on skills and knowledge Volunteers promise to help out after a disaster, but most lack knowledge or skills in emergency management. The CERT course trains residents in Search & Rescue, medical triage, damage assessment, radio communications, and much more. Once the course is completed, volunteers can keep those skills fresh with ongoing training within their assigned CERT area. Four Area Coordinators hold monthly or bimonthly meetings, using educational tools such as tabletop exercises, first-aid and triage practice, radio nets, and hands-on practice setting up the Incident Command Post. You may see volunteers in their green CERT vests walking down your street, taking note of potential hazards, such as a soft-story construction or highvoltage wires in trees. These sessions help volunteers stay aware of the many duties they may be called on to perform in the event of a major disaster. Add your name to Pleasant Hill CERT's list for upcoming courses! Sign up now at www.phillca.gov/forms.aspx?FID=69 or use the QR code. The training Coordinator will reach out to you with more information. PH CERT Foundation meeting with public comments Do you have feedback or questions for CERT? Your input is solicited at the semi-annual Foundation meetings in June and December. Check the website for the next date and location, https://pleasanthillcert.org/
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PH Rec & Park in action Summer Bike Challenge About Bike Family Fest News from the Library The Falcon 5K Caregiver Workshop Series
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Republic Services flippin’ lids Summer Concerts schedule Juneteenth in Pleasant Hill City Meetings Back to School safety tips CERT...always ready
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