Summer Fun 05.01.2026

East Bay Volleyball Club offers local option

For years, many East County families interested in club volleyball faced a familiar choice: pay premium fees or travel outside the area for opportunities. East Bay Volleyball Club was created to offer another path.

Now in its first year, the Brentwood-based program aims to provide local athletes with a more affordable option for club volleyball while emphasizing skill development, fundamentals and a positive environment for players and families.

Director and owner Sarah Talton said the idea grew from watching too many families get priced out of club volleyball or forced to look outside the area for opportunities.

“I wanted to start off simple, and I wanted to start off with helping kids who can’t afford it,” Talton said.

Talton, who has 15 years of coaching experience, began by offering clinics so families could get to know her coaching style and introduce players to the sport. What started as a plan for one or two teams quickly expanded after demand grew from families looking for a lower-cost option. The club now has four teams.

Club volleyball can cost families several thousand dollars before adding expenses such as uniforms, travel, equipment and tournament costs, according to Talton. Talton said she studied the local market before launching the club and knew affordability had to be central to the model.

“I looked at all of the prices, which, holy smoke, some of them are like five, six, $7,000,” Talton said. “And I was like, ‘I’m not going to do that because that’s how so many kids can’t do it.’”

According to Talton, East Bay Volleyball Club fees range from about $2,700 to $3,250 depending on age level, with younger teams paying less. She said the club also tried to reduce extra costs by helping with uniforms, backpacks, shirts and even shoes for some athletes who needed support. Talton added that she also pays for the uniforms and other necessities to cut some of the costs down for families.

“Some of the kids, they really couldn’t afford volleyball shoes,” Talton said. “So I was like, ‘You know what? Just give me $40, $50 and then I’ll go and buy volleyball shoes. The volleyball shoes were about $130. As long as I’m not in the red that first year, then I’m okay.

The club serves multiple age groups and is designed for both new players and experienced athletes looking to keep developing their game.

Talton said one of the biggest priorities is making sure

beginners are introduced to the sport in the right environment instead of being overwhelmed too early. She says that philosophy will continue into the club’s upcoming summer programs.

“I don’t want to mix the experienced players with the beginning players because the beginning players get overwhelmed and intimidated,” Talton said. “I don’t want them to have to deal with that.”

East Bay Volleyball Club plans to offer summer sessions for players aged 7 through 16, with separate groups for younger athletes, beginners and more advanced players. The goal is to give families a local option during the summer while continuing to grow the sport in East County.

Convenience has also become part of the appeal. Instead of regular drives to Concord, Walnut Creek or beyond, families can train closer to home in Brentwood, based out of the Delta Valley Health Club at 120 Guthrie Lane.

Talton said some players still travel significant distances because of the club’s affordability, including athletes coming from 30 to 40 minutes away and one traveling more than an hour.

“I have one girl that literally travels an hour and 15, 20 minutes to us because of the fact that it’s more affordable,” Talton said.

Beyond practices and tournaments, Talton said she wants the club to be known for energy, personality and helping kids enjoy volleyball while they improve.

That combination of access, local roots and player development is what East Bay Volleyball Club hopes will define its beginning — and its future.

Families interested in learning more can find East Bay Volleyball Club under its name on Facebook and on Instagram under “@East_Bay_Volleyball_Club,” where the program posts updates, registration information and upcoming events or visit www.estbayvolleyballclub.com or call 925-234-3104.

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Fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors with kids

The great outdoors can be an inviting place with plenty of opportunities for adventure.

It’s also a treasure trove of sights and sounds that can serve as a springboard for a lifelong yearning for knowledge.

Children of the 1980s and before may remember long days spent outside with requirements to “come back in when the street lights turn on.” Today’s children may not have as much freedom, but they still can benefit from both unstructured and structured play outside. The following are some outdoor activities families can enjoy together.

♦ Fossil hunting: Whether there is a natural fossil bed nearby or not, children can use plastic colanders and shovels to dig in the dirt or sand to see if any treasures can be found.

pads and draw your favorite plants.

♦ Go camping: Whether you camp in the backyard, in the woods or at a campsite, spending a night immersed in nature can be an unforgettable experience. Camping equipment can be rented or borrowed, if necessary.

♦ Enjoy a picnic: Bring a meal outdoors to a quiet spot, like a park or garden.

♦ Collect and paint rocks: Collect stones and then paint them with vivid designs or sayings. Once painted, families can place them back into their natural surroundings for others to discover.

♦ Make a nature collage: Take a hike or a stroll through a nearby park and collect little treasures along the way. Glue these items to a piece of cardstock or cardboard to create a collage that will serve as a memento of the day.

♦ Run through a sprinkler: Pools can be great fun, but something as simple as a garden sprinkler can keep everyone occupied for a few hours.

♦ Visit a botanical garden: Tour a nearby botanical garden to get an opportunity to see flowers and plants that may not be native to the area. Bring sketch

♦ Take a boat ride: Enjoying the great outdoors from the water brings an entirely new perspective. Purchase tickets for a fishing charter or take a tour of The Delta.

♦ Feed ducks or other birds: Children can see wildlife in its natural environment, and provide some supplemental nutrition in the process. Bring along wild birdseed (bread is not a healthy option) and sprinkle some along shorelines or in the water to watch the birds arrive.

♦ Do a scavenger hunt in nature: While on any excursion, you can engage in a scavenger hunt. Have a list of five to 10 items to find, such as a pink flower, a leaf with a stem and a black rock. See who can find them all the fastest.

Library summer reading program sees changes

to win a prize.”

This year’s Contra Costa Library summer reading program will hold its Exploration Stations in Concord, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo – but not in Brentwood as they were last year.

“We try to move the exploration stations around each year, and some branches aren’t able to host the event due to a lack of outdoor space, a lack of available parking or other factors,” said Brooke Converse, Contra Costa County Library Public Information Officer.

This year, the summer reading program is all about feeding the body and mind. Open to all ages, the program runs from June 1 through Aug. 1.

“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,” Converse said. “Every person who completes their reading passport receives a free book, pin or sticker, and an entry into a drawing for a chance

Some of the prizes this year include LEGO sets, board games, stuffed animals, Bluetooth speakers, and a Switch 2.

Completed reading passports can be returned to any Contra Costa Library starting June 22.

Liz Fuller with Friends of Oakley Library, a volunteer non-profit organization, said there are two reading passports available.

“There’s a passport for babies - threeyear-olds, and one for all ages above that,” she said. “Folks can either print out the passport and keep track of their reading and activities on the passport, or can enter their activity online through Beanstack.”

Beanstack allows readers to track their books or minutes read, log activities, and more, and can be accessed by downloading it through the App Store or Google Play.

Converse noted a reading passport can also be picked up in person at any branch when available approximately mid-May.

The link to register can be found at https://ccclib.org/summer/

For more information and resources from the Contra Costa Library, visit https:// ccclib.org

Fun ways to keep children occupied over summer break

Kids look forward to summer vacation every year. The last day of school gives way to less structured days when kids can spend more time outdoors and less time cracking the books.

Summer vacation can be a dilemma for parents, especially in households where both parents work full-time. A pandemic-related increase in remote working has made that problem somewhat more manageable, but even parents working from home must find fun way for kids to stay occupied until the new school year begins. No two kids are the same, so parents may need to try various activities on for size until they find something their children enjoy doing during the lazy days of summer.

Summer vacation is a relaxing time for youngsters. Parents who don’t want that relaxation to turn into boredom can look to various activities to occupy their children’s time until a new school year begins.

♦ Day camp: Day camps provide much of the structure of school without all the homework or time spent indoors. Many parks and recreation departments run summer day camps for kids. Camps can be generalized or specialized. For example, some may offer an array of activities, including sports and nature walks, in a given day, while others may focus on a single activity, like musical lessons or science-based programs. Camps run by local parks and rec departments do not typically last all summer long, which parents should keep in mind when enrolling youngsters.

novels that has helped millions of young people across the globe discover and develop a fondness for reading. Weekly visits to the library, where kids can pick from hundreds of books, can get youngsters even more excited about reading.

♦ Play dates: Play dates are a great way to make kids happy and take a little off of parents’ daily plates. Arrange routine summer play dates with children’s school friends, neighbors and/or cousins. Parents can alternate hosting responsibilities so they can get work done at home and enjoy a break when it’s not their turn to host.

♦ Reading: Parents may be surprised by how much their children enjoy a good book. A recent poll from the National Education Association found that 70 percent of middle school students read more than 10 books a year. The National Literacy Trust reports that roughly 45 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 11 enjoy reading “very much.” When suggesting to children that they read more this summer, parents can note the many ways that reading for pleasure differs from reading for school. Point out that kids won’t have to submit book reports and emphasize that they can choose their own books. Depending on children’s ages, introduce kids to a series like “Harry Potter,” which is a set of seven fantasy

♦ Find something free: Perhaps in recognition of the need for affordable, family-friendly fare, many communities now host free events for kids and their parents each week. Weekly movie nights under the stars and concerts in community squares are popular in many communities, but those same towns also may host events specifically for kids during the daytime. A simple internet search of “free events near me” may unveil a host of activities that can keep kids happy and occupied on summer days when their schedules are open. Local libraries can be great resources for free events as well.

– Metro Creative

How to combat ‘summer slide’

Summer is right around the corner, which means many students will enjoy taking a break from school before resuming again in the fall. While students of all ages will look forward to that long-anticipated break, statistics also show the prevalence of ‘summer learning loss’ or ‘summer slide’ – a regression in academic proficiency due to summer break.

“It is great to keep kids engaged and learning over summer for retention of knowledge and to keep in a good routine,” said Rachel Glenn-Kruse of the Love for Learning Preschool in Brentwood. “It also allows children to maintain and build social and emotional skills.”

Statistics from Progress Learning, a tool designed to help students and teachers at the K-12 levels with resources to help them succeed, show that nearly 64 percent of teachers polled agree that students exiting the grade they teach have retained what they learned that year and are ready for the following grade level.

However, only 31 percent of teachers believe students entering the grade that they teach have retained what they learned from the previous year. The disruption of routine and lack of consistency are said to be the top contributing factors to summer learning loss according to Progress Learning statistics, with 28 percent of respondents ranking it as the number one problem and 71 percent of respondents ranking it a top-three issue.

Glenn-Kruse added that other ways for children to stay occupied and busy over summer are through things like attending local events or summer camps, along with free activities through the local library and community center.

Additionally, other activities such as planning park dates with friends, taking trips to the library, or visiting a local farm are other examples of things to do to keep children engaged during the summer.

“It is really important for children to have a balanced summer — fun and engaging activities that challenge and encourage their minds and bodies are great,” Glenn-Kruse said. “But you don’t want to overbook or keep them too busy either, as children need downtime and free time to build curiosity and imagination as well.”

According to scholastic.com, younger children are said to be more at risk for summer slide due to being in a crucial stage in their development, with a significant amount of loss of knowledge in reading and math. Data shows that children in third and fifth grades lost on average 20 percent of what they learned in reading and another 27 percent in math. However, parents can help keep their children engaged during the summer, such as encouraging kids to read something they enjoy and thus will be able to fully comprehend it.

Other ideas include making time for smart play with the use of games and puzzles to teach basic math and vocabulary skills that enables kids to have fun but learn at the same time, along with allowing and encouraging kids to use their imagination.

Another idea is to get out of the house, which can range from a simple trip to the park or an educational field trip. This allows children to promote learning and stimulate the brain by visit

see Summer page 8B

SEWING CAMP

SEWING CAMP

Experiment with different sewing tools, fun materials & patterns to create unique designs.

ing a location they may have read about in a book, which can help kids get more excited about learning.

“I think that planning for some fun days like visiting nearby museums, day trips, or summer camp experiences is awesome,” Glenn-Kruse said. “I think another ‘do’ is to talk to your children about what they’d like to learn, experience or try this summer. They will have great ideas too!”

For details, visit www.loveforlearningpreschool.com or call (925) 634-7212.

Other local resources to combat summer slide include:

Keeping children engaged over the summer through programs and activities offered by resources such as Love for Learning Preschool (top) and World of Wonders museum (bottom) can help combat ‘summer slide.’

Submitted photos

ment classroom learning and promote STEAM education. For details, call (209) 368-0969 or visiting www.wowsciencemuseum.org

• Galaxy Kids Code Club , now located at 4501 O’Hara Ave in Brentwood, offers best in class computer programming (coding), engineering, and technology education programs for children of all ages. Students learn to use code to solve problems and bring their imaginations to life. For details, call (925) 464-2766 or visiting www. galaxykidscodeclub.com

• World of Wonders is a science museum located in downtown Lodi at 2 N Sacramento St. The museum features more than 70 interactive exhibits focused on topics such as energy, electricity, magnetism, optics, engineering, and technology, along with science camps, field study trips, and educational programs designed to comple -

• A Child’s Place is a preschool and daycare center located at 3405 Main St in Oakley that has been helping children in their development since 1987. Their program is designed to promote independence and self-esteem; ignite a love for learning; enrich language (reading) and pre-math skills, and enhance fine and gross motor skills. For details, call (925) 625-9795 or visiting www.achildsplace123.com

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How to prevent trail damage when hiking in East County

Responsible recreation requires everyone’s cooperation. By following common sense best practices, the trails and the environment at Mount Diablo State Park can be protected while ensuring positive experiences for trail users, according to a press release from the Mount Diablo Trails Alliance.

Recently, some park visitors chose to keep hiking despite damaging the tread on two trails near Rock City during heavy rain. The damage undermined the work of volunteers who had serviced the trails focusing on accessibility and sustainability. Sometimes, outsloped treads are not able to counter trail use of any kind due to heavy rain accumulation and soft soil composition. That’s an example of when responsible recreation best practices come into play as the next line of defense to protect the trails and environment, the release stated.

A group of 30 hikers was seen disobeying posted trail closure signs and causing damage to the tread this past month. The newly serviced trail was trampled into a divotladen sand volleyball court in a few sections. A volunteer noticed the

Outdoor activities ideal for summertime

Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors.

There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.

Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.

♦ Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.

ter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.

♦ Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.

♦ Walk a boardwalk: Those lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.

damage and was quick to repair it.

The Responsible Recreation best practices are highlighted here. Your efforts might help prevent the recent user-caused trail damage at Mount Diablo State Park from happening again.

Best practices include:

♦ When it rains, let the trails drain and become firm. Boot imprints and tire tracks undermine the hours of work California State Parks volunteers gave on a weekend day to service that trail.

♦ Stay on designated trails to protect the watershed, flora, fauna and wildlife.

♦ When trails are muddy, do not hike, run or ride on them.

♦ Foot, tire or horseshoe damage on muddy trails (especially below Mount Diablo’s Junction Ranger Station) can cause safety and environmental hazards.

♦ Consider alternate activities and return to the park another day when trail conditions are more favorable.

♦ Observe the right-of-way triangle

♦ Yield means temporarily stop and move to the side of the trail.

♦ Bikes must yield to hikers, runners and horses.

♦ When there are limited clearance or safe passing options, dismount from bike to signal that right of way has been established for everyone’s safety.

♦ Hikers and runners must yield to horses.

♦ A day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chat-

♦ Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.

– Metro Creative

County fair celebrates 90 years

Officials promise new and returning attractions

With the Contra Costa County Fair returning to the Antioch Fairgrounds on May 14 to celebrate its 90th year, organizers didn’t want to settle for more of the same. Instead, this year promises to be bigger than ever, offering both old and new attractions that celebrate the fair’s history while pushing it forward to new heights.

The fair opens at noon on Thursday, May 14 at the Antioch Fairgrounds at 1201 W. 10th St., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to follow at 3 p.m. While there will be various activities throughout the day such as exotic animal presentations and pig races, the evening’s big attraction will be the revamped Miss Mini and Miss Contra Costa pageant at 6 p.m. Winners will be awarded scholarships, said Cheyenne Erickson, the new CEO for the

from 4–8 p.m., one of the new additions to the fair’s program of events. Admission for these races is free with general admission to the fair.

Sunday will feature a full day of Mexican entertainment in addition to the other daily events such as the exotic animal exhibits.

Each day of the fair will also include live music free (for a list of performers, visit www.contracostafair.com) with admission as well as many other attractions, such as the petting zoo, carnival games and mutton busting, as well as attractions revolving around dinosaurs and Bigfoot sightings.

This fair expansion is under the leadership of Erickson, who took over the post in July of 2025, describing the role as almost tailor-made for her and her skills.

Contra Costa County Fair.

“This refreshed program is community-service focused, designed to empower young leaders, build confidence, and award scholarships to participants who want to make a difference in Contra Costa County,” organizers of the pageant said. “This program is about service, leadership, personal growth, and opportunity all while celebrating the tradition of the Contra Costa Fair.”

The pageant will continue into Friday for the talent portion of the competition.

But one of the other events Erickson says she is most excited for is the bulls and broncs rodeo, which returns as part of the fair for the first time in more than 20 years. The rodeo, put on by Silver Bridge Rodeo, takes place on Friday at 6 p.m. and requires a separate ticket from the general admission for the fair. Tickets are $16.50 and can be purchased at www.contracosta.saffire.com/p/tickets.

Saturday’s cornerstone event will be flat-track motorcycle races at the Antioch Speedway, which is part of the fairgrounds,

“Before this I was with Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market,” she said, explaining that she oversaw more than 30 farmers markets across the Bay Area during her tenure with the organization. A graduate of Texas A&M University majoring in marketing and communications for agriculture, Erickson also serves as president of the Contra Costa County Farm Bureau and has nearly a decade of experience in property management.

For more information and to buy general admission tickets for the fair, visit www.contracostafair.com.

East County cities offer summer fun for families

Local cities have big plans to keep residents busy this summer. From movie nights to outdoor concerts, Memorial Day and Juneteenth events, even a fishing derby and a 5K, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Brentwood

In Brentwood, Fridays are for music, with the city’s live Concerts in the Park series, happening weekly June 12 – Aug. 21 in City Park. This is also where the city will host its Juneteenth event on June 19, with live music, food trucks, activities and vendors.

The city offers a lineup of aquatics activities for babies, children, teens and adults at the Brentwood Family Aquatic Center at 195 Griffith Lane, as well as a variety of other classes, including dance, soccer, art and tennis. The city will also offer summer camps of varying lengths and themes for all ages and interests.

Brentwood is also gearing up for its annual celebration and parade in downtown on July 4 to celebrate its agricultural roots and the American dream. The event will include food trucks, games, live music, family activities, local history and a celebration of service.

For more information, or to view the 2026 Summer Activity Guide, visit www.brentwoodca.gov/government/ parks-recreation.

Oakley

In Oakley, residents can participate in a lineup of free summer events designed to “bring neighbors together to have fun, make memories and build community at Civic Center Plaza in the heart of our city’s downtown,” said Recreation Manger Troy Faulk.

Oakley’s Concert in the Park series returns this year on the first Friday of each month, beginning on May 1. Each concert features a local band playing live music, food trucks and local non-profit groups selling beer and wine as a fundraiser.

Faulk said Oakley will also host Movies

on Main Street each month, with familyfriendly feature films, accompanied by movie-themed crafts, activities and trivia for prizes before the movie begins. The Oakley Youth Advisory Council will be onsite to provide popcorn and snacks during the movie.

Oakley will honor military personnel who died in the line of duty with its annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 23, featuring speeches, presentations, performances, and more. The annual Juneteenth ceremony will have a live band, performances from local artists and community groups, presentations and craft vendors on Saturday, June 13.

Oakley’s Summerfest on June 27 will be a celebration of summer and community with fun for the whole family, including carnival rides, inflatables, a live band, food trucks, beer and wine, craft vendors, and more in Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. On Aug. 8, families can enjoy a Delta tradition at the annual Oakley Kids Fishing Derby at the Oakley/Antioch Pier, a free event featuring age-specific competitions for the longest, smallest, and most fish caught, with snacks for participants and fishing-themed prize packs for winners.

Oakley also offers summer camps, classes, Friday Night Out – where parents can drop their kids for up to four hours to have a night to themselves – and more. For times, location, more information and events, visit www.oakleyca.gov/369/ Special-Events.

Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay might be the smallest of the East County cities, but their summer schedule is full of activities, from summer camps to dance classes, and even a book club. They also host outdoor movie nights. For more information, visit www.todb. recdesk.com/Community/Home.

Antioch

Antioch is also gearing up for summer. The city will host fireworks on July 4 at Waldie Plaza to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The event will include games, food, a parade and music.

Antioch residents can take advantage of free outdoor movies at Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way (also where the water park is) on Thursdays in July, a free summer concert series on Thursdays in August at the Antioch Community Center at 4703 Lone Tree Way , a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, and a Multicultural Festival on Aug. 1. For more information and events, visit www.antiochca.gov/231/ Recreation-Special-Events.

Pittsburg

In Pittsburg, Director of Recreation Kolette Simonton said the city is kicking off its 2026 Summer Event Series with the Pittsburg Cares 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 23.

“This event encourages a healthy

community while supporting mental and emotional health awareness,” Simonton said. “This season’s lineup features a variety of family-friendly events designed to bring the community together and celebrate summer.”

Simonton invited everyone to attend Small World Park at 2551 Harbor St. on Friday, June 5, for the “School’s Out for the Summer” event, featuring fun activities, community partners, and plenty of opportunities to explore the park.

Also part of the summer lineup are the city’s popular Family Fun Fridays, scheduled for July 31 and Aug. 21, at the Marina Community Center. City officials said these free events are about creating a space where children and parents can engage and connect, while fostering a sense of community.

The city will also host a fireworks show at the Pittsburg Marina on July 4.

For times, locations and more information on classes, programs and events, visit www.pittsburgrec.com/recreation-home.