Contra Costa Herald

Source: City of Pittsburg

Celebrating career of outgoing Chief Steve Albanase and welcoming appointed Chief Phil Galer

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Pittsburg

The City is hosting Change of Command Ceremony celebrating the career of Chief Steve Albanese and welcoming the newly appointed Chief Phil Galer.  The event will take place May 21 at 3:00pm at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, 351 Railroad Avenue.

Earlier this month, the City of Pittsburg announced the appointment of Captain Galer as the next Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburg’s Police Department. This follows the announced retirement of Chief Albanese, who served the community and Department with distinction for nearly 30 years. The City thanks Chief Albanese for his service and leadership. He was appointed to the position in July 2022.

Following community engagement, Department input, and an internal recruitment and interview process involving law enforcement executives and the City’s Senior Executive Team, Captain Galer was selected as the next Chief of Police.

“I am confident that Captain Galer is the right person to lead the City of Pittsburg’s Police Department into the future,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “His 25 years of dedicated service, deep understanding of this community, and strong alignment with the Department’s values make him an exceptional leader. I am excited to appoint an internal candidate who is widely respected and committed to strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety.”

Captain Galer has served the Department for 25 years and is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies, a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of the California POST Command College.

“It is an honor of a lifetime to lead the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department and continue to be a part of this community,” Captain Galer said. “I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Chief Albanese and ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses. I look forward to strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety alongside our dedicated staff, City leadership, and the entire Pittsburg community.”

In January, Chief Albanese announced his retirement as Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburg. His retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement, including the last three and a half years as the City’s 10th Chief of Police. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Chief Albanese has completed extensive executive-level training in leadership, organizational management, and contemporary policing strategies. His tenure as Chief was defined by a commitment to accountability, professionalism, and strengthening relationships with the community and regional partners.

Throughout his career, Chief Albanese advanced through the ranks of the Pittsburg Police Department, serving in a broad range of leadership assignments and contributing to nearly every operational area of municipal policing. His professionalism, commitment to service, and deep institutional knowledge have been central to the department’s ongoing development, measurable crime reduction efforts, and long-term organizational stability.

“Serving as Police Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Chief Albanese. “When I became Chief of Police, I committed to this community to continue to be responsive, to develop partnerships to reduce crime, and to provide fair and professional policing to all. I am extremely proud of the work of our officers and the entire police department. We have made excellent strides in providing professional police services, increasing our outreach and community engagement, and reducing crime to a five-year low. I want to thank the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department for their hard work and commitment to make Pittsburg a community to be proud of.”

“Chief Albanese’s leadership has had a lasting and positive impact on our Police Department and the City of Pittsburg,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “His dedication to community partnerships, modern policing practices, and staff development has positioned the department for long-term success. I look forward to working with Chief Albanese over the next few months and appreciate his continued support as we prepare for this transition.”

The City will begin the process of selecting the next Chief of Police in the coming months. Chief Albanese will continue to work closely with City leadership to support a smooth transition and assist in planning for the department’s future leadership.

The City of Pittsburg invites the community to congratulate Captain Phil Galer on his appointment as Chief of Police.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Contra Costa County

1.79% decrease in revenue from the current year revised budget resulting in $125 million decrease in expenditures

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted the $7.248 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County and Special Districts Budget during its regular meeting at 9 a.m., in Board Chambers in Martinez.

The budget reflects the Board’s continued commitment to delivering essential public services amid the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts. The projected revenue represents a 1.79% decrease from the current year revised budget. Budgeted expenditures are projected to decrease by 1.70% or $125.63M to $7.25B in FY2027.

“Contra Costa County is preparing thoughtfully and responsibly for what lies ahead,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “As we navigate continued fiscal uncertainty, our priority remains protecting essential services, supporting vulnerable residents, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability. Community input during budget discussions will help guide the County’s priorities and decisions in the coming year and beyond.”

The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.

Source: Contra Costa County

Responding to Federal and State Changes

The upcoming fiscal year is expected to be significantly affected by state and federal policy changes, including H.R. 1, which will reduce funding and tighten eligibility for safety-net programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These changes are likely to increase demand for County services while reducing outside funding support.

Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected and will rely on one-time fund balances to maintain services in the near term. Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.

The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs.

Source: Contra Costa County

Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact

While balanced for the coming fiscal year, the budget reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:

• Uncertainty in federal and state funding and implementation of H.R. 1;
• Rising labor and operational costs; and
• Slower growth in local revenues.

To help address these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition.

Regardless of the outcome, the County anticipates future budget adjustments to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.

Additional information on the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are available in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: DVC

To be held at Concord Pavilion

By Diablo Valley College

Congratulations Class of 2026! DVC is honored to celebrate our graduating students at an in-person 74th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026.

We’re excited to announce that commencement is moving to the Toyota Pavilion at Concord, giving our graduates and their guests a bigger, more comfortable, and truly celebratory experience worthy of this milestone moment!

• Spacious, covered seating so guests can relax and enjoy the ceremony in comfort
• More restrooms and amenities, including concessions, for a smoother, stress-free experience
• A professional stage, sound, and video setup so every name is clearly heard and every smile seen
• Experienced event staff on site to ensure a seamless, well-organized celebration from start to finish

Source: DVC

Graduation Ceremony Event Details

• Location: Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord
• Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Time: 6:00 p.m.

• 4:00 p.m. – Parking Lots Open / Early Arrival Encouraged – Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, entry, and seating.
• 4:30 p.m. – Venue Gates Open – All guest entrances open. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 5:45 p.m. – Processional Begins
  Graduates, faculty, and platform party begin the formal processional into the venue.

See digital Commencement Program.

Events at the Pavilion are rain or shine.

Free Parking

Guests should plan ahead for parking at Toyota Pavilion at Concord and arrive early, as lots fill up closer to the ceremony. Multiple entrances off Kirker Pass Road will help with traffic flow. Carpooling or ridesharing is encouraged. Parking is free for the event.

Watch Live Online

A live video feed will be available on the day of the ceremony. Visit Commencement Ceremony | Diablo Valley College on May 22 for the feed!

About DVC

For over 75 years, Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves. A million students later, enrolling at DVC is one of the best ways you can ensure acceptance at a four-year college. DVC is not only recognized as one of California’s best community colleges, but it also leads the state in transfer to four-year institutions. For more information visit www.dvc.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Free event

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

MTC is a proud sponsor of the Move Bay Area summit series. The East Bay Summit will be held Friday, May 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in the Lafayette Library at 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.

This free event brings together public officials, community advocates and transportation leaders to look ahead and define the innovative funding strategies and bold transit improvements needed to truly connect the Bay Area.

Seats are limited — reserve a spot today at movebayarea.org and be part of shaping the region’s transportation vision. Breakfast and lunch included.

What to expect:

• Visionary + Successes Panel— Hear from leaders who are championing the transformational funding and infrastructure needed to deliver mobility, clean air, and healthier communities across the Bay Area.
• Full-Room Discussion & Activity— Every voice in the room contributes to shaping our shared regional transportation vision.
• Keynote Q&A— Local luminary answers questions big and small.

 Invited and Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Opening Remarks by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
• Keynote Q&A by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (invited)
• Seamus Murphy, Executive Director of SF Bay Ferry
• Ryan Manriquez, Disability Justice Advocate, Civic Spark Fellow and former President of the Associated Students at UC Davis
• Stephen Baiter, Executive Director of East Bay EDA
• Robert Rayburn, BART Board Member
• Debbie Toth, President of Choice in Aging
• Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Councilmember
•  Rob Thompson, WestCAT General Manager
•  Harpreet S. Sandhu, AC Transit Board Member (invited)
• Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor, Metropolitan Transportation Commission Commissioner (invited)

Who Should Attend: All are welcome: transit riders, transportation professionals, planners, advocates, local officials, community organizations, students, and anyone invested in improving transportation in the East Bay.

Let’s keep up the momentum!

About Move Bay Area

Move Bay Area brings transportation, climate, and health leaders with community in-person to discover commonality and regional solutions to our transportation challenges with the goal of shaping a regional transportation vision together.

Photo: CoCoCollege

Applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates

Graduation this Friday, May 22nd

By Contra Costa College

Nearly 200 Contra Costa College students woke up to a surprise on April 12, 2026: A text informing them that the CCC Foundation has paid off their outstanding fees and tuition.

This initiative applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for California residency under California’s tuition structure. That includes refugees and other immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.

International and out-of-state students, who are enrolled under a different tuition model, were not able to be included in this effort. Neither are high school students, who already qualify for free tuition and fee waivers.

Full-time students can also qualify for free tuition at the college. Many students, however, have work and family obligations that prevent them from attending full time.

The move will allow impacted students to receive their diplomas and certificates, access other college services, and request the transcripts they need to transfer to a four-year university or get certain jobs.

More importantly, it is one less bill to pay in a challenging economic environment. On average, each student carried about $173 in remaining debt. While that amount may seem small, for many students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, this relief represents something much bigger: a clean slate.

“The foundation has had a good year, philanthropically,” said Contra Costa College Foundation Executive Director Sara Marcellino. “And the cost of living is exceptionally high right now, particularly in the Bay Area. Our donors and board wanted our graduates to leave knowing their community is behind them, investing in their success, and celebrating everything they’ve accomplished.

The largest debt owed was $980; the smallest was just $2.

“We know that life is expensive,” said Contra Costa College President Dr. Kimberly R. Rogers. “Our students work, they have families, yet at the same time they still come to school. Sometimes, you find yourself in debt, and the last thing we want is for our students to graduate and still owe money to the college. As someone who had a lot of student loans, if I’d had this opportunity, it would have made such a difference in my life. And to work at this institution, to work with people who truly believe in education and in supporting students is just an amazing thing to be a part of. I’m grateful to be here, and I know our graduates won’t ever forget this moment in their lives.”

Rogers points to a similar effort undertaken five years ago by Marcellino and previous CCC President Dr. Damon A. Bell for laying the groundwork for this project.

Contra Costa College serves a diverse student population, and is officially designated a Black Serving Institution, an Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. It also boasts one of the most diverse faculties in the nation, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

It has long prioritized affordability and access, with 99% of students graduating without ever taking out a student loan.

The college is also increasingly known for academic excellence. CCC was recently named an Achieving the Dream campus, as well as NASA’s only Northern California Aerospace Scholars campus. It is home to the most-awarded two-year college media outlet in US history, and this year instructor Mark Wong was named one of five national finalists for Faculty Member of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees.

2026 Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2026! The 2026 CCC Commencement Ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Contra Costa College Football Stadium, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo. Gates open to guests starting at 3:00 p.m. For more information visit www.contracosta.edu/admissions-records-office/graduation-requirements/graduation-ceremony/.

About the Contra Costa College Foundation

We at the Contra Costa College Foundation believe that every person, regardless of resources, should have access to a meaningful education and training at Contra Costa College.

That’s why our 501c(3) nonprofit organization has been working since 1967 to increase financial support for CCC students as well as to help ensure the long term stability of Contra Costa College.

Research shows that completing college courses increases employment and learning opportunities as well as fosters safety and economic growth in our local communities, but tuition along with living expenses, textbooks, and transportation can cost students up to $24,000.

For more information visit Foundation – Contra Costa College.

About Contra Costa College

Contra Costa College (CCC) has served the dynamic and diverse communities of West Contra Costa County since 1949. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to equity, student success, and community empowerment, CCC offers strong academic support, small class sizes, and career-connected programs. The college is also home to nationally recognized programs, including its Middle College High School partnership, award-winning student newspaper, and NASA-affiliated STEM initiatives.

The college is located on 83 acres of a beautiful, naturally landscaped site accentuated by Wildcat Creek running through the rolling hills of San Pablo and Richmond.

CCC affirms that all individuals have inherent worth and dignity and are entitled to develop their full potential. The college is an integral part of the greater community and serves as a model of excellence providing education to help its students fulfill their dreams. The college maintains that its students will enjoy an improved quality of life, that communities will prosper economically and socially, and that families and neighborhoods will be strengthened when residents share a commitment to lifelong learning.

To learn more visit www.contracosta.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Vince Robb campaign

By Lisa Tucker

PACHECO – Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb is campaigning for Contra Costa County Assessor in this year’s election. “I am running for County Assessor to ensure the fair and accurate assessment of every residential, commercial and business property in Contra Costa County,” he stated.

Robb is the current Assistant County Assessor, bringing a unique skillset, special technical knowledge and the legally required state certification needed to serve on day one. He has worked in the Assessor’s Office for almost 21 years, either in or has overseen the operation of every division. In that time, the office has had near-perfect evaluations for accuracy from the State of California. He also leads the valuation teams in assessment appeal cases before the County’s Assessment Appeals Board.

“I have the insight and experience to continue to modernize daily operations, keep records secure, and steward your tax dollars responsibly and fairly,” said Robb.

Robb is a member of the California Assessors Association and the Government Finance Officers Association.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Robb is a lifelong resident of Contra Costa County and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business and Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2004.

He serves as Chair of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council, and as a volunteer youth baseball and soccer coach for his three children.

You can learn more about Robb and his campaign at www.vincerobbforassessor.com.

The election is Tuesday, June 2nd in which he faces two opponents. If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote, the top two vote-getters will face off in the General Election in November.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: LMC

Class of 2026 is largest graduating class in LMC history; to be held at Concord Pavilion

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, Calif. — Los Medanos College (LMC) will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 52nd Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Concord (Toyota) Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA 94521.

This year marks the largest graduating class in the college’s history, with 1,623 students earning a total of 2,755 awards. Graduates will receive a range of credentials, including 48 noncredit certificates awarded to 35 students, 1,075 certificates of achievement, and more than 1,640 Associate Degrees of Science and Arts. The Class of 2026 reflects the rich diversity of the community, with graduates ranging in age from 16, two of the youngest recipients, to 71, the college’s two eldest scholars.

The Class of 2026 represents significant growth for the institution, increasing 19.4% from 1,358 graduates in 2025 to the largest cohort to date. Total awards are up 21.5% over the 2,266 awards given last year. The certificates of achievement increased 54% this year from 698 in 2025, and associate degrees saw a 19.8% boost over 1,398 from the prior year. These milestone underscore Los Medanos College’s expanding role in providing accessible, high-quality higher education and career training opportunities across the region.

“Our ceremony highlights the transformative role that higher education and career training play in shaping students’ futures, while strengthening our community,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “Graduates will cross the stage representing a wide spectrum of academic pathways and career goals, including transfer-bound scholars and workforce-ready professionals.”

Source: LMC

This year’s ceremony will feature two student speakers whose stories reflect the spirit and mission of Los Medanos College:

• Benjamin N. Osborn, a founding member and president of RISE, LMC’s support program for students who have experienced the justice system, will deliver a graduate address. Osborn is also a representative of the Berkeley Underground Scholars program at LMC and leads the nonprofit “From Shackles to Scholarships,” advocating for educational access and second chances. His journey exemplifies perseverance and the transformative impact of education.
• Maria Guadalupe Mendoza, an honors student, will also address the graduating class. Over the past three years, Mendoza has balanced her academic pursuits with extensive community service, volunteering with Kaiser Permanente in the mom-baby and labor and delivery units. She has also supported local communities through her work with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Clean Start Homeless Outreach, demonstrating a deep commitment to service, compassion, and leadership.

Family members, friends, faculty, and community supporters are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.

Ceremony Admission & Seating Information

The ceremony is general admission, and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the pavilion. The pavilion has wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities. Designated ASL seating will be available in section 104 for guests who require sign language interpretation. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.

Watch Live Online

The link to watch the ceremony live online will be available on the LMC website at www.losmedanos.edu/graduation/ceremony.aspx.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photos source: Matt Sieger

“In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist”

Martinez author and former sportswriter, Matt Sieger just published a new book entitled, In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist.

According to the description on Amazon.com, the book “is a rich, intelligent, and deeply personal collection of sportswriting that goes far beyond scores and statistics. Written by veteran journalist Matt Sieger-also the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978-this engaging book brings together a lifetime of observation, experience, and love for the games that shape us.

“Drawing from his work as a columnist, reporter, and lifelong fan, Sieger explores not only baseball, basketball and legendary athletes, but also race, faith, ethics, sports culture, books, movies, and the timeless beauty of “the thinking person’s game.” With wit, warmth, insight, and a storyteller’s eye for unforgettable detail, Sieger invites readers into a world where sports serve as a lens for understanding character, memory, competition, and life itself.

“Whether recalling childhood ballfields, reflecting on iconic players, or offering sharp commentary on the meaning behind the games we love, he writes with authenticity, intelligence and heart. In My Humble Opinion is an ideal book for devoted sports fans, thoughtful readers, and book buyers seeking a fresh, substantial, and highly readable voice in sports literature.”

Purchase a copy of Sieger’s new book at https://www.amazon.com/My-Humble-Opinion-Musings-Columnist/dp/163132280X

Read his article published last year by the Herald entitled, “Giants of the Faith”, here.

About the Author

Matt Sieger has a B.A. from Cornell University and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. He was a sports reporter for the Cortland (New York) Standard, The (Vacaville, California) Reporter, the Martinez (California) News-Gazette, and the Ithaca (New York) New Times. He is a Jewish believer in Jesus and has written numerous magazine articles about Christian athletes. Sieger and his wife, Leigh live in Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Hosted by Nuvision Credit Union in partnership with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

By Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event is free and  takes place on Monday, May 25th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, active military, and their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

The luncheon will also highlight veteran-focused initiatives supported through local American Legion leadership, including programs and services benefitting veterans and their families.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

Nuvision Credit Union Background:

• Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets.
• Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Martinez, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Pleasanton, Berkeley and Hayward.
• Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming and Arizona.

Website: nuvisionfederal.com

Photo: Harvest Time

In the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area and World!

By Harvest Time

Since 1976, Harvest Time in Brentwood has connected families and visitors to the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area, and now, of the World! This year we celebrate 50 years of supporting local farms, farm stands, and agritourism across East Contra Costa County.

Fifty Years of Roots and Resilience: Celebrating a Half-Century of Harvest Time in Brentwood

For five decades, the spirit of Brentwood has been defined by more than just our borders; it has been defined by our soil. As Harvest Time in Brentwood marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves looking back with immense pride and looking forward with even greater excitement.

What started as a shared vision to protect our agricultural heritage has blossomed into a legacy that defines our city’s soul. We are honored to serve as the bridge between our hardworking farmers and the community, ensuring that our local farms don’t just survive—they thrive. It is because of this enduring partnership that Brentwood is recognized globally as the “U-Pick Capital of the World.” We also champion our farms through the annual Farm Trail Map to help visitors discover, support, and return to our local growers, season after season. And through our social media channels, we share the unique farm experiences that make this region special, shining a light on the people, places, and traditions that continue to make our region stand out.

Photo: Harvest Time

The Heartbeat of Our Fields: A Century of Legacy

When you look across a cherry orchard or a field of summer corn, you aren’t just seeing crops; you are seeing the tireless dedication of local families. While Harvest Time is celebrating 50 years of service, the families behind these farms represent a legacy that stretches back over a century. Many of these families were stewards of this land long before Brentwood was even incorporated as a city, and their roots run deeper than the oldest trees in our valley.

The impact of these multi-generational families stretches far beyond the fence line of the farm:

Investing in our Future: They are the quiet benefactors of our schools, ensuring our children have the resources they need to grow alongside our crops.

Empowering our Youth: From sponsoring local sports teams to providing first jobs for our teenagers, our farmers invest in the character of the next generation.

Building the Community: They serve on our city boards, support our local small businesses, and have been the bedrock of our civic life since the very beginning.

These families have shaped the very identity of Brentwood. Their commitment to the land and each other is the reason so many people choose to move here. People come for the beauty, but they stay because of the values—the unique sense of place that only a deep-rooted agricultural community can provide.

Photo: Harvest Time

A Legacy We Share With You

Whether you are a neighbor who has lived here for forty years or a visitor traveling from across the globe to experience the magic of a Brentwood harvest, you are part of our story. To our residents: Thank you for your fierce pride and for choosing to shop local. You understand that when you support a Brentwood farm, you are supporting a neighbor’s dream.

To our visitors: Thank you for making Brentwood a destination. Your appreciation for the “U-Pick” experience helps ensure that this land remains green and productive for the next fifty years and beyond.

As we celebrate this golden milestone, Harvest Time remains committed to our mission. We are proud of where we’ve been, we are inspired by the families who lead us, and we are more ready than ever for the growth to come.

Here’s to 50 years of Harvest Time, and over a century of farming excellence.

Photo: Harvest Time

About Harvest Time

Harvest Time is a Non-Profit Organization, Mutual Benefit organized under the laws of the State of California, that is dedicated to educating the general public and “foodies” about farming and its products while improving Agri-tourism education in the Brentwood, California Region of East Contra Costa County. Each year, we produce an educational farm trail map that directs you to more than 65+ growers who sell direct to the consumer!

For more information visit https://harvestforyou.com/harvest-time-50th-anniversary/ or www.facebook.com/HarvestForYou/.

See the U-Pick farms’ Interactive Map – Harvest Time in Brentwood.

Source: Harvest Time

U-Pick Capital

U-Pick Capital, proudly presented by Harvest Time in Brentwood! We invite you to discover the incredible U-Pick experiences that make Brentwood the ultimate destination for fresh produce and cherished traditions.

Experience the vibrant tradition of Harvest Time in Brentwood, the U-Pick Capital that captivates hearts year-round! With over 65 farms offering a delightful array of U-Pick options, it is no wonder we’ve captivated the hearts of visitors near and far.

Join us as we share the magic of Brentwood with visitors seeking the freshest produce, vibrant farm experiences, and the abundance of our harvest. U-Pick isn’t just an experience; it’s a cherished tradition that farmers and visitors anticipate year after year.

For more information visit upickcapital.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.