Contra Costa Herald

Photo: Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator for Political Economy and Regulation

“Sold Out: How state and local governments pay for Live Nation’s monopoly”

“A federal jury found that Live Nation monopolized the amphitheater market, which has led to higher prices and fewer choices for music fans across the country.” – Report Co-Author Brian Shearer

 “This is not a credible report. State and local governments invest in live entertainment because venues are economic engines…” – Live Nation spokesperson. Shares statements on jury verdict and DOJ settlement

By Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, Vanderbilt University

Concord, CA–A recent analysis published by the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator for Political Economy and Regulation (VPA) reveals that state and local governments own nearly half of Live Nation’s large outdoor amphitheaters and stadiums and have been subsidizing the company’s live events business to the tune of more than $420 million. The report raises questions about the propriety of local governments devoting significant public resources to a company as large and as powerful as Live Nation, particularly as nearly two-thirds of independent music venues struggle to turn a profit.

The report examines 64 large outdoor amphitheaters and stadiums operated by Live Nation across the country, including Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord, CA and Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. VPA’s researchers found that in 30 of 64 instances, these venues are not owned by Live Nation or another private actor. Instead, Live Nation operates buildings owned by state or local governments.

The City of Concord owns the Pavilion, and the City of Mountain View owns Shoreline.

Sections of Live Nation’s venue chart. Source: VPA

These contracts are often never subject to competitive bidding, resulting in highly favorable terms for Live Nation, including cheap rent, the ability to generate revenue by selling naming rights to a government building, and even taxpayer support to build and maintain the properties from which Live Nation profits. Rarely, if ever, do these contracts insist on terms to advance the public interest, such as requirements to operate the venue as an “open room” for artists not promoted by Live Nation, limits on excessive fees, or street pricing for concessions.

In addition, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator found that at least $420 million in taxpayer money went toward benefiting Live Nation, not including the value of below-market rent or profits from selling naming rights on government buildings.

“A federal jury found that Live Nation monopolized the amphitheater market, which has led to higher prices and fewer choices for music fans across the country,” said Brian Shearer, director of competition and regulatory policy at Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator and a co-author of the report. “But cities and states don’t need to wait for a court order to begin rectifying this problem. They can simply stop financing Live Nation’s venues and evict them from public-owned venues.”

The findings also highlight that government contracting could be a powerful lever for addressing Live Nation’s monopoly. To help local governments build a live music ecosystem that reinvests in local communities rather than enriching a powerful monopoly, the report proposes two potential solutions.

The first, an “outsourcing with conditions” model, would open venue operating contracts to competitive bidding with strict conditions to advance the public interest and a preference for independent venue operators familiar with the unique needs of local communities. The second, a “public D.I.Y.” model, proposes that cities operate their properties through a specially chartered public nonprofit corporation. Both approaches would enable local governments to operate their large venues and advance important public-interest goals while avoiding siphoning taxpayer funds onto the balance sheets of an extractive monopoly.

Read about the report in VPA’s Substack and watch the YouTube video.

Live Nation Responds

In response to the report, a spokesperson for Live Nation wrote, “This is not a credible report. It is a poorly researched and one-sided advocacy piece backed by independent venues who don’t want to compete against new and renovated venues regardless of the benefits to fans and communities. State and local governments invest in live entertainment because venues are economic engines that bring artists, fans, jobs and spending to their communities. Our amphitheaters generate an estimated $5.8 billion in local economic activity and $800 million in municipal taxes each year, while supporting nearly 48,000 jobs. And over the last decade, we’ve invested more than $825 million of our own funds improving these venues.”

In addition, they provided the following facts:

• $5.8B in estimated annual local economic activity generated outside our amphitheaters by concerts and fans
• ~$800M annually in municipal taxes from taxable amphitheater revenue streams, including tickets, food & beverage and merchandise
• 47,609 full- and part-time employees, representing approximately $225M in annual wages
• $825M+ invested in renovations and improvements across the amphitheater portfolio over the last 10 years
• ~$450M in rent paid to government landlords across 30 amphitheaters over the last 10 years
• Public investment in major sports and entertainment venues is commonplace. Recent examples include:
  • Kansas City Chiefs — $1.8B new stadium
  • Tennessee Titans — $1.26B new stadium
  • Washington Commanders — $1.0B new stadium
  • Buffalo Bills — $850M new stadium
  • San Antonio Spurs — $800M new arena
  • Jacksonville Jaguars — $775M stadium renovation

When pressed further and asked about the federal jury findings, Live Nation shared the following statements on the settlement issued on March 9, 2026 and the jury verdict issued on April 15, 2026:

Live Nation Entertainment Reaches Settlement With U.S. Department of Justice

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the world’s leading live entertainment company, announced today (March 9, 2026) that the company has reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in the antitrust lawsuit brought by the DOJ. The company has consistently maintained that the DOJ’s allegations were without merit, and a portion of the original claims were dismissed by the court before trial began. This settlement will resolve all remaining matters with the DOJ, without any admission of wrongdoing, and the settlement will be reflected in a final proposed judgement that will be submitted to the court for approval.

-Live Nation Entertainment issued the following statement: 

We are pleased to have settled our lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice.

“Today marks a major step in improving the concert experience for artists and fans throughout the United States. Live Nation is proud to lead the way enhancing this experience with our amphitheaters, which will be open to all promoters, allowing these promoters to decide how best to distribute up to 50% of the tickets, and capping ticketing service fees at 15%. By giving artists greater flexibility in choosing their promotional partners and ticketing strategy while also keeping the cost of a concert more affordable for fans, we are putting more power where it should be – with artists and fans,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment.

In addition, Live Nation will be divesting its 13 exclusive booking agreements with amphitheaters nationwide. All owned and operated amphitheaters will continue to be operated by Live Nation as open venues, promoting competition and maximizing show volume.

In ticketing, Ticketmaster will be providing both exclusive and non-exclusive ticketing proposals to all major concert venues, which preserves the rights of venues to seek the type of contracts they preferred over the years while providing the government with restrictions to mitigate their concerns. At the same time, for venues that choose to do so, they may distribute some portion of their tickets through other primary ticketing marketplaces.

“We have never relied on exclusivity to drive our ticketing business, it has simply been the result of having the best products, services and people in the industry. We are happy to take greater steps to empower artists and venues in their ticketing decisions, and are confident we will continue to succeed on the quality of what we deliver,” continued Rapino.

This settlement will also include an eight-year extension of the company’s consent decree with the DOJ, including retaliation and conditioning terms, providing venues ongoing comfort the company does not condone such behavior.

There is no financial component to the settlement with the DOJ. This does not settle the claims of all plaintiffs in the lawsuit, and the company has created a $280 million settlement fund to address the states’ damages claims.

Statement on Jury Verdict

The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.

Live Nation will soon renew its motion for judgment as a matter of law, which the Court deferred until after the jury returned its verdict. That motion addresses all liability theories. The Court previously noted that Live Nation’s motion raises serious issues.

There is also a pending motion to strike the damages testimony on which the jury’s award was based. The Court deferred ruling on that motion as well, while noting significant concerns with the damages expert’s analysis.

Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions.

The jury’s award of $1.72 per ticket applies to a limited number of tickets—those sold at 257 venues, which represent about 20% of total tickets—and only to purchases by fans (excluding brokers) in certain states over the past five years. Based on that scope, we believe the aggregate single damages figure would be below $150 million, which would be trebled.  In connection with the DOJ settlement, Live Nation has already accrued $280 million toward state damages and civil penalty claims.

Injunctive relief will be determined by the Court after the states make a remedy proposal, which we expect in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Tunney Act proceedings regarding the DOJ settlement will continue. We remain confident that the ultimate outcome of the States’ case will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement.

No Outside Funding for VPA Research, Report

VPA was asked who funded or helped develop their research and how much was contributed financially to the effort.

They responded, “VPA is an independent academic center at Vanderbilt University. There was no outside sponsor for this research, and VPA did not receive any external funding to compile this report.”

City of Concord Studying Report

In response to the report, Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager wrote, “We are now reviewing it, as it was just released, and do not have a comment at this time.”

City of Mountain View Responds

Also in response, Lenka Wright, the City of Mountain View’s Chief Communications Officer in the Communications and Outreach Division of the City Manager’s Office wrote, “Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre is a premier outdoor concert venue that is operated by Live Nation. Upon entering the initial lease with Live Nation, the City has not paid for any facility upgrades or expansions. Per the lease, these are Live Nation’s expenses and the City Council must approve any recommended facility improvements. The rent that Live Nation pays to the City for Shoreline Amphitheatre operations is also competitive. In addition, the City has retained the naming rights to the venue, unlike some other California jurisdictions named in the report.”

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

About VPA

The Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator for Political Economy and Regulation (VPA) focuses on cutting-edge topics in political economy and regulation to swiftly bring research, education, and policy proposals from infancy to maturity. To learn more about our work, visit vu.edu/vpa.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Third graders at Frank Sparkes Elementary School in Winton. Credit: Zaidee Stavely / EdSource

Proficiency in math, English language arts rose slightly, but remains below pre-Covid levels

By Zaidee Stavely, Lasherica Thornton, And Yuxuan Xie for EdSource.org. Republished with permission

Top Takeaways

• Student proficiency in math and English language arts rose slightly, though remains below pre-Covid levels, according to newly released California standardized test scores.
• Achievement gaps persist between Black and Latino students and white and Asian students.
• It’s likely still too early to see improvements from investments in early literacy.

California students’ proficiency in math and English language arts follows the same trend in 2026 as the past few years: incremental improvement from the year prior, with the majority of students below grade-level standards.

The state’s release of 2025-26 student test scores on Thursday showed slight growth in several areas, but California still hasn’t reached the elusive milestone of raising scores back to pre-Covid levels.

In English language arts, 49.3% of students scored proficient or advanced in 2025-26, up just a half percentage point from the previous year, according to the latest standardized test results released Thursday.

In math, the number of students earning a proficient or advanced score increased by 1.2 percentage points, with 38.4% earning proficient or advanced.

Prior to the pandemic, in 2018-19, 51.7% of California students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, and 39.7% were proficient in math.

Fewer students — 36% — achieved a proficient or advanced score on the science test, though it was the subject with the most improvement. The portion of students meeting standards in science rose 3.3 percentage points since last year, and 6.1 points since before the pandemic.

“Today’s results tell a story of continued progress, but also of the work that remains ahead,” Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, said in a statement. “Our responsibility now is to build on this momentum and ensure that progress reaches every student and every community.”

Black and Latino students made larger gains than white and Asian students but yawning racial and ethnic achievement gaps remain. Black students were the only group to surpass pre-pandemic proficiency levels in both math and English.

While education leaders are often encouraged by academic growth, the pace of growth — half a percent to a little over a percent in most cases — is “unacceptable,” said Troy Flint, chief information officer at the California School Boards Association.

“It does not suggest that we have the right strategic or operational infrastructure in place to properly support our school districts and county offices of education in accelerating student achievement,” Flint said. “We need serious reforms to state level education governance and operations and assessment, or we will never deliver for our kids at the level that we need.”

Disparities persist among different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic groups

The number of proficient Black and Latino students remains far below their white and Asian peers, and similar gaps exist between students based on income.

The number of Black students reaching proficiency in English language arts increased 0.9 percentage points from last year to 33.7%. The number of proficient Latino students rose to 39.6%, a gain of 0.8 percentage points from last year. Asian students’ proficiency fell by 0.9 percentage points to 73.5%. About 61.7% of white students scored proficient in English language arts, a figure essentially flat from the prior year.

In math, about 21.5% of Black students scored proficient, a 1.5 percentage-point improvement from 2025, the highest jump across the four student groups. About 27% of the state’s Latino students scored proficient, 1.2 percentage points higher than 2025. Asian students (70.5% math proficiency) and white students (51.4%) saw more modest growth.

Although socioeconomically disadvantaged students improved in both subjects, most still did not meet standards. About six in 10 (61.1%) did not meet the English standards. Nearly three in four (72.6%) did not meet the math standards.

The achievement gap between students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and the rest of their peers remains at about 30 percentage points in both subjects.

Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, research director at EdTrust West, called the test scores “sobering.”

“Once again, the results show glaring gaps in outcomes for Black and Latino students, Native American students, English learners and students from low-income households, which suggests that our systems still aren’t providing the supports and opportunities they need to reach their full potential,” Valenzuela-Stookey said.

No improvement in early reading yet

The percentage of California third graders who scored proficient or advanced on the English language arts test stayed flat, from 44.2% in 2024-25 to 44.1% in 2025-26.

The state has invested millions in improving how schools teach children to read, but it is likely too soon to see many results from the new policies. Last year, schools began screening all students in grades K-2 for risk of reading difficulties to provide support for kids who need it.

The children who benefited from that last year won’t take standardized tests until this school year. The State Board of Education only recently approved a list of literacy training programs for districts to use.

“While the state has gotten a lot more focused on improving reading, it’s not surprising it wouldn’t have an impact yet,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice and one of the advocates that pushed for the reading reforms. “The earliest you would see impacts from those policies directly would be this school year.”

English language proficiency

More than 133,000 English learners —15.4% — tested as proficient on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) in 2025-26. Under a new state law, those students are now eligible to be automatically reclassified as fluent and proficient in English. The percentage of English learners who achieved proficiency was similar to last school year.

English learners who have not yet achieved proficiency in English tend to do poorly on standardized tests, but once they are reclassified as fluent in English, they often do better on tests than native English speakers.

In 2025-26, 60.9% of former English learners achieved proficiency in English language arts, compared to 53.5% of native English speakers.

Martha Hernandez, executive director of Californians Together, a nonprofit advocacy group for English learners, said the scores show that the state needs to do more work to make sure English learners have full access to the curriculum in all subjects and to move more students to proficiency.

“Students who become proficient in English do not stop becoming part of the English learner success story,” Hernandez said.

Dashboard released simultaneously

For the first time this year, the California Department of Education released the test scores at the same time as the “dashboard,” the state’s accountability system. The dashboard measures schools’ improvement over time on test scores and on other measures, such as graduation, college and career readiness, suspension and chronic absenteeism.

The state gives schools a color of the rainbow ranging from red (signaling the least achievement or improvement), orange, yellow, green and blue (signaling the highest achievement).

The state gave schools an overall score of orange for English language arts, and yellow for math and science.

Jessica Sawko, director of education at Children Now, advocated for science to be included in the state’s accountability system because she said science helps prepare students for college and career.

She said it was “heartening” to hear that there was improvement in science scores, but the percentage of students achieving proficiency is much too low.

“Here we are at not even 40% of kids achieving proficiency or better. That’s more than half of the kids not there yet, and yet we’re at a yellow?” she said.

By Allen D. Payton, Publisher

While it shouldn’t have to take a developer to get a measure placed on the ballot to obtain approval for a transit-oriented development housing and mixed-use project next to a BART station, the fact that Hall Equities Group has gone the extra mile to do so with Measure U is worth noting, having gathered public support to go directly to the voters and send a clear message to a different Hall, that is City Hall.

As previously reported, Measure U would update zoning in Downtown Walnut Creek to allow for more than 200 units of high-quality senior housing on a 2.4-acre, transit-oriented site near the Walnut Creek BART station. The rezoning would create an opportunity to address the city’s growing need for senior housing while allowing residents to remain close to family, friends, healthcare, shopping and other community services as they age.

The initiative would also support a mixed-use community with retail, a plaza and food-oriented businesses, creating a more vibrant and walkable downtown while supporting local businesses. By directing new housing to an area already served by BART, the initiative advances smart, sustainable growth and makes it easier for seniors to maintain mobility and independence without relying solely on a car.

Summary – What Measure U Does

Measure U takes an existing vacant office building, large above-ground parking structure and office-only zoning and changes the zoning to senior housing, market and retail, and office space.

Please see the Resolution, City Attorney Analysis and Argument in Favor.

As is stated by the Yes on Measure U’s Argument in Favor, “This initiative aligns with Walnut Creek’s General Plan, including the City’s recently adopted Housing Element and North Downtown Specific Plan. It advances Walnut Creek’s goals for sustainable growth, reduced traffic, and enhanced quality of life, and to begin to balance the supply Of housing in Walnut Creek designated for seniors. Measure U is a responsible, forward-thinking investment in Walnut Creek’s future. It provides the housing our seniors need while creating a thriving mixed-use area for everyone – without raising taxes.” I especially like that last part. The housing will not be taxpayer subsidized as are so many other residential projects currently under development in the county.

Aerial view of location and map of the proposed project and elements near the Walnut Creek BART Station. Source: Yes on Measure U

No Organized Opposition

The fact that there has been no organized opposition to the measure and no Argument Against it was submitted for inclusion in the County’s election guide, reflects the broad community support for creating more senior housing and a connected, transit-oriented community in Downtown Walnut Creek.

My Connection to Walnut Creek

For parts of my life, I grew up and graduated from high school in Walnut Creek and my first job after college was working for a small, boutique, Walnut Creek-based in-fill housing developer that built 10- to 40-lot subdivisions in Walnut Creek and Concord. Also, I first became involved in public service in 1989 with an appointment by the City Council to the Land Use Subcommittee of the Walnut Creek in the Year 2000 Committee. While it’s 37 years later, the long-term plans of focusing high-density housing near the Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill (Contra Costa Centre) BART Stations just made sense, then and still do, now.

Long-Time Supporter of TOD

I later went on to serve on the Antioch City Council from 1994-98 and during that time – with the knowledge I’d gained in Walnut Creek – co-authored a growth management advisory measure, also labeled Measure U, which tied new growth in that city to widening of Highway 4 and new school construction, which was sorely needed then, called “growth metering”, and it passed overwhelmingly by 69% of the vote. I also represented East County on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and three other East County transportation boards.

For full disclosure, because of that experience I later helped start and currently serve in leadership for three companies which are focused on bringing a low-cost, solar-powered electric, ultra-light rail transit system for both passengers and freight as well as the associated real estate development surrounding the stations, known as transit oriented development (TOD) and transit villages, also referred to as livable, walkable, sustainable communities. (On a side note, I was there the night one of the Long brothers, after speaking and pounding his cane on the floor in defiance, was told by the Walnut Creek City Council his company could not build on their own land on North Civic Drive. As a result, Long’s Drugs ended up building offices in Antioch for their support personnel, also, because they learned so many of their employees lived in that city. But it would have made more sense for them to build just blocks away from the Walnut Creek BART Station).

So, I’m clearly a supporter of high-density housing, commercial and retail next to and near transit stations. It also helps implement one of the bills signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger, specifically, SB 375 (2008) which requires “coordinating the regional housing needs allocation process with the regional transportation process while maintaining local authority over land use decisions,” and formed the basis for the Plan Bay Area effort.

But to be perfectly clear, my businesses have no interest in or connection to the Walnut Creek BART station area TOD plans and projects. Our companies’ plans are focused on other parts of the county, the Bay Area, throughout the state, nation and internationally. So, this endorsement of Measure U will serve no benefit to either my businesses or me, personally.

Connection to Mark Hall

While I’ve been familiar with Mark Hall, Chairman of the Board of Hall Equities Group, since his father Merle was Mayor of Walnut Creek and nominated me for that appointment to the committee in 1989, I am primarily familiar with the work Mark and his company have done through the years to bring good projects to Walnut Creek, including the COPA Soccer Training Center in the Shadelands and the Shadelands Sports Mall, where it’s located.

So, it’s not because of any personal benefit or connection that I support the measure he and his company are championing.

Measure U Makes Sense

I’m endorsing Measure U because it just makes sense and I trust that Mark and his company will bring a quality project to the city which will benefit not only the seniors who will end up living there, but the entire Walnut Creek community and beyond. For example, those of us who chose to live in East County (mainly due to housing affordability over the past 35 to 40 years) and whose parents choose to live in this new development, we will be able to ride BART from Antioch, Pittsburg and Bay Point, or anywhere else along the BART system, to visit them and vice versa. (Assuming the BART Board doesn’t end up closing the East County stations. But that’s another matter for discussion, with a related measure also on the November ballot). Actually, thinking about it, I’m getting up there in age and I might end up wanting to return to Walnut Creek and live in the senior housing there some day, myself! That would be the only way this project could benefit me, personally. LOL

Seriously, I encourage the voters of Walnut Creek to support the project, allow for the senior housing, retail, restaurants and community plaza near the BART Station by voting yes on Measure U.

While the election is on Tuesday, November 3rd, you should have already received your ballot in the mail. If you haven’t done so, yet please get it out and fill in the oval next to “Yes” under Measure U. Thank you for your consideration.

For more information visit www.wcseniorhousing.org.

Photo: U.C. Davis. Graphic source: UCLA

UC Multi-campus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) project for salinity management adaptation by UC Davis (MAIN), UC Berkeley, UC San Diego and UC Merced

By Brett Milligan, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Director, Metamorphic Landscapes Lab & Maggie Gallagher, Geography Graduate Group, University of California, Davis

The Just Transitions in the Delta research team cordially invites the public to attend the project’s final public workshop and interactive exhibition at the Jean Harvie Community Center in Walnut Grove, CA on Thursday, November 5th from 9:00am – 4:00pm.

In addition, an interactive exhibition of research findings will be open to the public at the Jean Harvie Center from Tuesday, November 3rd – Saturday November 7th from 11:00am – 3:00pm.

For the past four years, the Just Transitions in the Delta Project has explored climate change and salinity management adaptation scenarios for the Delta with multiple communities, experts and public participants, and designed six Delta climate adaptation scenarios based on this public input. On November 5th, the project team – including interdisciplinary experts from across four UC campuses – will present the results of modeling of the future effects of these scenarios, as well as comparison of their performance across key social, ecological, and economic indicators.

However, salinity intrusion into the Delta was a challenge and first measured in the 1800’s and early 1900’s according to the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum and, according to a 2010 Contra Costa Water District report, it was primarily natural and “the result of tides that move seawater into the system and are controlled in large part by the amount of fresh water passing through the system.” Much of the additional challenge today is due to the upstream and in-Delta diversion of fresh water for agricultural, residential and commercial uses, as well as south Delta pumping according to the Delta Stewardship Council.

The term Just Transition is used in the domains of climate, energy, and environmental justice and refers to efforts to reduce inequity in society. This project seeks to advance such efforts by democratizing science and decision making in the Delta through a participatory scenario planning process. This method of public engagement provides opportunities for all communities affected by Delta policy and planning outcomes to contribute to and inform efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

The workshop and interactive public exhibition will focus on sharing the final outcomes of the project with the public, and receiving input on future directions for Delta climate adaptation and participatory planning. All workshop and exhibition participants will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the most preferred scenario.

Please join us for the exhibition, the workshop, or both!

Open House Exhibition: Daily, Tuesday November 3rd – Saturday November 7th, 11:00am – 3:00pm

All project content and research findings will be on display in an open gallery setting, with opportunities to immerse yourself in the future visions of the Delta at your own pace. The exhibit will consist of detailed scenario visualizations and interactive digital models that reveal how scenarios compare across a range of publicly defined criteria. Participants can cast their vote for most preferred scenario through an interactive water component of the exhibition.

Public Workshop: Thursday November 5th, 9:00am – 4:00pm (open gallery and reception from 9-10am)

This more structured event will include presentations by the project team, breakout sessions on focused topics, and group discussions. All activities will be aimed at sharing and reviewing the results of the project’s scenario planning process, with time for reflection on what was learned by all who have participated in the project. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Workshop registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYXuPjL-T0W8DO3Rv4-zSbV-3pbL77E-weFqLQg6RZi-2Rig/viewform?usp=header

Project information: https://delta-just-transitions-ucdavis.hub.arcgis.com/

Jean Harvie Community Center

Address: 14273 River Road, Walnut Grove, CA

Location: HERE.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Representing Contra Costa County

Application deadline: Nov. 9

By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Board of Supervisors established the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee (LMHAC) in July 2018 as part of the dissolution of the Los Medanos Health District. LMHAC plays a critical role in guiding and supporting community-based healthcare services to its residents through sponsoring and funding programs and activities related to health, wellness, and prevention that serve approximately 97,000 people, encompassing the Los Medanos Health Area boundaries, which are made up of communities within the City of Pittsburg, small portions of the cities of Antioch, Clayton, Concord, and the unincorporated community of Bay Point. The LMHAC is responsible for developing an area health plan to determine the community’s specific health needs, identify priorities to address those needs, and facilitate a request-for-proposals process to make funding recommendations for health programs in the community to the Board of Supervisors.

The County is recruiting volunteers to fill one vacancy in the “At Large” seat for the three-year term of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029.  The County Board of Supervisors will make the appointment following a screening process conducted by the Board’s Internal Operations Committee. Residents and those who work in the territory of the District, which is primarily the Pittsburg/Bay Point area, are welcome to apply.  This is a volunteer appointment – no stipends or reimbursements are authorized for this Committee.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 23, 2026.

More information about the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee can be found at their website at: https://www.cchealth.org/about-contra-costa-health/leadership/commissions-advisory-groups/los-medanos-health-advisory-committee or by contacting committee staff, Denise Milosevich, at Denise.Milosevich@cchealth.org

Free pumpkins and tickets to Maya Cinemas

By The Greater Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce is bringing the community together for the Halloween Spooktacular at the Century Plaza Shopping Center on Saturday, October 24th, from 9AM to 1PM, and we’d love for your business to be part of it.

This free family event is packed with fun: free pumpkins, jumpies, costume contest, face painting, goody bags, prizes, trick-or-treating at participating businesses, and free Maya Cinemas movie showings for the first 300 guests.

With one free pumpkin going to each of the first 250 families, we expect a big crowd of local families, which makes it a great chance to connect with them face to face.

Sponsored by Sierra Pacific Properties, Inc.

For more information about the Chamber visit Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce.

Photo: CCC Public Law Library

Application deadline: Nov. 6

By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to maintain a law library in Martinez.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for the Law Library with the authority to determine personnel, fiscal, and administrative policies to fulfill the legal information needs of the community. County residents who are members of the State Bar and have an interest in public policy and library administration are encouraged to apply for this non-paid volunteer opportunity. The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill one vacancy for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027 and ending on Dec. 31, 2027. The Board of Trustees hold monthly in-person meetings in Martinez.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 23, 2026.

More information about the Contra Costa Public Law Library can be obtained by calling Director Amreet Sandhu at (925) 646-2783 or director@ll.cccounty.us, or visiting the Law Library website at http://www.cccpllib.org.

Source: Caltrans District 4

Contra Costa & Solano counties – from 6:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

By Sabrina Martinez & DeNise Harding, Caltrans District 4

Caltrans maintenance has scheduled the closure of the Pomona Street Eastbound (EB) on-ramp and single lane closure on EB I-80 Carquinez Bridge.

The closure is necessary to give maintenance crews the opportunity to complete routine Maintenance.

Schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.

Detour: Motorist can take the Westbound (WB) Pomona on-ramp to WB I-80 and take the first exit, Cumming Skyway off-ramp. Turn left across the overcrossing, then proceed to take the on- ramp to EB I- 80 across the Carquinez Bridge

Sign up to receive updates on the Carquinez Bridge at Carquinez Bridge Mailing List.

All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay.

For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap App available in your App store or click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

You can too at 10:15am

By BART

BART will participate in the 2026 International ShakeOut Day earthquake drill on Thursday, October 15, to test our emergency response systems and to help raise public awareness of the importance of having a plan and being prepared.

At 10:15am, BART staff will trigger our ShakeAlert early warning earthquake system to ensure it is functioning and working correctly. Once triggered, trains will automatically slow down to 27mph. Then all trains will come to a very brief stop. BART will also make a systemwide public announcement encouraging riders to be prepared for earthquakes. BART will also test our internal communications systems to notify employees and the Operations Control Center will observe earthquake alarms and our train control systems to ensure they are working properly. BART has also added simulated damage inspections to its ShakeAlert drill, which you can read more about below.

ShakeAlert Early Warning Earthquake System

BART is an early adopter of the ShakeAlert system, which is connected to a network of USGS seismic sensors throughout California. When the BART seismic condition threshold is reached is reached, the system sends a speed restriction command to trains. This system removes human response time and can even slow trains down before the shaking occurs depending on how far away the quake is centered.

Emergency Response Plan

BART has an Earthquake Emergency Response Plan, and we hold several drills a year to ensure staff is trained and ready to respond. In the event of an earthquake, riders should listen for instructions from BART personnel. Employees are trained to evacuate the public from dangerous areas.  Following an earthquake, BART trains are held in place (except for trains in the Transbay Tube and Berkeley Hills Tunnel) until it is determined it is safe to move the train to the nearest station where riders will be offboarded.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Where will you be and what will you do when the next big earthquake hits? Taking time to consider these questions now could help if you ever do find yourself in an earthquake.

LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTIONS

That’s one reason why the first guideline in a BART emergency is to follow instructions from BART personnel. The BART Operations Control Center is in constant communication with trains and Station Agents and is in the best position to manage emergencies and provide direction for the public.

ON A TRAIN

If you’re on a train during an earthquake, Train Operators will follow BART’s established emergency plan and provide you with important information. Sit down or grab a handhold to avoid injury. If an evacuation is necessary, emergency response personnel will coordinate.

IN A STATION

If you’re in a station during an earthquake, back away from the edge of the trackway. If you’re in the station concourse, don’t proceed to the platform. Instead, prepare to evacuate the station under the direction of BART personnel.

TRY TEXTING

No matter where you are, emergency experts recommend using text messaging instead of cell calls to communicate with family and loved ones in an emergency. Cell networks can be overwhelmed if everyone’s trying to call at the same time; text messages can be more efficient.

Earthquake Safety Program Completed in 2024

In September 2024, BART completed its Earthquake Safety Program, which retrofitted vulnerable high traffic portions of the original system to make it safer in a large quake. The Earthquake Safety Program was funded in part by Measure AA, a $980 million general obligation BART bond approved by voters in 2004. The program focused on upgrading portions of the original system not only for life safety but also to ensure that we can return to operation shortly after a major earthquake.

Source: ShakeOut.org

BART’s Earthquake Response Team

BART’s Earthquake Response Team (ERT) consists of around sixty engineers and thirty maintenance employees that fan out across the system in the advent of a major earthquake, defined as an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 or greater with an epicenter within 50 miles of the BART system. Since its inception, the ERT has never been activated for a real event, but they train throughout the year to prepare for the real possibility of a massive earthquake rattling the Bay Area.

The Great ShakeOut is the ERT’s big show. Once the international earthquake drill commences, BART staff hit the ground running. ERT members travel to all 50 stations to conduct structural assessments, simulating damage inspections that would occur during a real earthquake. They inspect walkways, support structures, elevators, escalators – anything that could sustain damage in a powerful earthquake.

The Great ShakeOut simulation is designed to exercise “muscle memory” for BART’s earthquake response as well as identifying areas for improvement.

Safety is BART’s mission above all, and the practiced ERT is crucial for getting service up and running quickly.

The team focuses their observations on stations and aerial structures. They’re looking for physical damage – cracks, leaning, displacement, unevenness, and foundation damage – as well as issues like station power outages, falling signage, and water intrusion.

Members of the ERT can be activated at any time, and staff volunteer to join the team. Every ERT member is issued two big backpacks full of supplies they might need, from batteries and measuring tools to safety vests and protein bars. One backpack stays at their house: the other in their office. See what’s inside in the video.

Visit Shakeout.org for simple safety steps during earthquakes.

Photos: Slice House

T-shirt giveaway for first 50 guests and raffle for chance to win free pizza for a year!

Local owners bring award-winning pizza to Contra Costa County with debut of nationally acclaimed fast-casual concept, expanding availability across Nor Cal

By Sarah Nardolillo, Siena Di Roma, Kiara McMahon & Elizabeth Dewey, J. Wade Public Relations

BRENTWOOD, CALIF. – Slice House by Tony Gemignani, the highly successful crafted fast-casual pizza franchise by world renowned pizzaiolo and Bay Area native Tony Gemignani, is proud to announce the October 17, 2026 opening of its first Contra Costa County location in Brentwood. Located at 2523 Sand Creek Road in The Streets of Brentwood outdoor mall, near the AMC Theaters, the new pizzeria will welcome guests to experience Gemignani’s award-winning pizza in a community-driven setting. Opening day events, which begin at 11 a.m., include a Slice House t-shirt giveaway for the first 50 guests and a raffle for the chance to win free pizza for one year.

Nitin and Mansi Bhatia, the brand partners behind the new location, bring a strong local perspective to Slice House Brentwood. They chose the city for their first restaurant because of its close-knit community, growing dining scene, and family-friendly nature. As business owners invested in Contra Costa County, they are focused on creating local jobs, giving back to the community, and offering a welcoming place where residents can gather over handcrafted pizza made with premium, from scratch ingredients.

“It has been such a pleasure working with dedicated partners like Nitin and Mansi to further expand Slice House’s footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area and bring our pizzas to the incredible community of Brentwood,” shares founder Tony Gemignani. “We are excited to open the doors to this location, and I look forward to welcoming guests from across Contra Costa County to enjoy our artisan pizza during the grand opening celebration and in the years to come.”

Slice House Brentwood features an expansive menu of Gemignani’s acclaimed New York, Sicilian, Grandma, and Detroit-style pizzas, available by the slice or as whole pies. Staying true to Gemignani’s approach, the menu places an emphasis on artisanal, from-scratch preparation and high-quality ingredients, with house-made components and thoughtfully sourced products from trusted purveyors. The menu also includes pasta, wings, fresh salads, and options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diners, complemented by a beverage selection of craft beers, premium wines, and non-alcoholic offerings.

Specialty Pizzas for Brentwood

As is tradition with every new Slice House brand partner, Slice House Brentwood features two signature pizzas created by Gemignani in partnership with the Bhatias.

“I’m excited because I make specialty pizzas for each location when I open them,” Gemignani shared in a video on Facebook. “I started working on this pizza with local corn. So, I did a vegetarian, and I did a barbecue pulled pork. Both of these pizzas are fantastic and I’m super excited to share them with the Brentwood community. It’s coming soon. I’m excited. It’s in a great shopping center.”

“Just wait. Brentwood’s going to have some amazing pizza. Go Slice House,” he added.

Both are New York-style pies built around local Brentwood corn, a nod to the city’s deep farming roots, and available by the slice only. The Brentwood BBQ is topped with pulled pork, tangy barbeque sauce, shredded mozzarella, Brentwood corn, corn tortilla strips, sweety drop peppers, green onions and a drizzle of garlic oil. A Slice of Brentwood, a vegetarian pizza named by the winner of Slice House’s local pizza box design competition, layers shredded mozzarella, Brentwood corn, corn tortilla strips, sweety drop peppers, and serrano peppers, topped with Tajin aioli and garlic oil.

Hours of Operation

The new fast-casual restaurant has indoor seating for 26 people and outdoor patio seating for 20 people, as well as takeout, online ordering, and delivery. Slice House Brentwood will be open seven days a week – from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“As new members of the Brentwood community, we’re especially excited to open a Slice House nearby and bring Tony’s exceptional pizza to our neighbors,” said Mansi Bhatia, co-owner of Slice House Brentwood. “We appreciate Tony’s creativity and emphasis on quality ingredients, two things we are confident will resonate with our guests. Slice House has an expansive menu that works for just about any occasion, from grabbing a slice on the go to sitting down for dinner with family or meeting up with friends, and we’re looking forward to sharing that with Brentwood.”

Slice House Brentwood is located within The Streets of Brentwood, an open-air lifestyle center anchored by an AMC Theatre with IMAX and a growing mix of national retailers including Barnes & Noble, Ulta Beauty, DSW, and popular dining spots. The center has added several new tenants as part of its recent renovation, including Dutch Bros Coffee, Pandora, Face Foundrié, and Lovesac, with American Eagle on the way. The restaurant is also conveniently near Brentwood’s growing base of local employers as well as the Sand Creek Sports Complex, in a city that continues to draw new families and businesses due to its easy access to Highway 4 and proximity to San Francisco, Oakland, and the greater East Bay. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and top-rated schools, the restaurant is poised to become a go-to dining destination for residents across Brentwood and the greater East Contra Costa County area.

Slice House is a convenient way for diners to experience various pizza styles and more by a world-champion, celebrity chef. Originally opened in San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood of North Beach in 2010, Slice House by Tony Gemignani has since expanded to include 37 locations – Slice House Brentwood will be its 38^th location.
For more information, visit www.slicehouse.com and follow along on Instagram @SliceHouse and @SliceHouseBrentwood as well as Facebook @SliceHouseBrentwood.

About Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Slice House by Tony Gemignani is a dynamic pizzeria concept led by award-winning pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani. In 2026, Tony’s flagship San Francisco restaurant, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, was ranked the #2 pizzeria in the United States and #5 in the world by 50 Top Pizza. Slice House, Tony’s celebrated fast-casual franchise, delivers an artisan pizza experience rooted in the 2010 origins of his North Beach, San Francisco pizzeria, all within an artistic and energetic atmosphere. With more than 150 locations open or in development, Slice House has set the standard in the fast-casual pizza segment, offering an extensive menu featuring four styles of handmade crust, including traditional New York, homestyle Grandma, rustic Sicilian, and robust Detroit-style pizzas, available by the slice or whole pizza. The complete menu also includes wings, salads, and options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. As 2024’s #1 Overall Brand by Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers and recognized among Fast Casual’s Brands to Watch in 2026, Slice House invites entrepreneurs nationwide to join its rapidly expanding franchise program, carrying forward Tony’s craft through authentic recipes and a flexible, proven business model tailored for diverse dining and delivery platforms.